autograpl) letters auD autograpl)?; 

of the SIGNERS of the DECLARATION of 
INDEPENDENCE 



OS" 



Qutograpl; JJcttcrs 



AND 



Qutojjrapljs 



OF THE 



SIGNERS of 

the DKCLARATION of 

INDEPENDENCE 



IN THE POSSESSION OF 

GEORGE C. THOMAS 




PHILADELPHIA 

pniitfD for priliiirf Cirfularion 



MDCTCC-V 111 



l.OI'^ Klr.H 1 r.^-,S in (.l-ORl,h (. . I llOMA> 



'i- 



9 i908 ' 



APii 

Cuu*.l4 " '.'» '» 

CLASS 4 yic 

CuHV A. 



In the preparation of the brief biographies prefacing the letters 
in this volume the compiler has availed himself of many sources 
of information, both early and modern. Among others he has 
derived help from *' Biography of the Signers to the Declaration 
of Independence" by William Brown and Charles Peters j 
'* The Centennial Book of the Signers" by W. Brotherhead ; 
and from a pamphlet, ** Graves of the Signers of the Declaration 
of Independence from Pennsylvania," published by the Phila- 
delphia Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution in 
1906. 

A. H. K. 
January 2, 1908. 




reface 

So MANY eulogies upon the Declaration and its Signers 
have been pronounced and written by men renowned 
in oratory or in literature, that it seems impossible to give 
utterance to one new thought upon so great a subject, but 
the Declaration itself and the men who made it, its compo- 
sition and some of the incidents which went to make up its 
birth, must always interest even the casual reader; and 
with that thought in mind this preface is ofl'ered. 

At a Meeting of the Continental Congress, held on 
Saturday, June 8th, 1776, it was resolved that the resolutions 
respecting Independence be referred to a Committee of the 
whole Congress. These resolutions were considered until 
Tuesday, June nth, 1776, at which time it was resolved that 
the committee for preparing the Declaration be appointed 
to consist of five, to wit: Messrs. Thomas Jefferson; John 
Adams; Benjamin Franklin; Roger Sherman and R. R. 
Livingston. 

In pursuance of these resolutions, Mr. Jeff^erson wrote 
the original draft while lodged in the house of a Mr. Gratz 



situate at what is now the Southwest corner of Seventh and 
Market Streets, Philadelphia. Writing to Dr. James Mease 
on September i6th, 1825, Mr. Jefferson said: "At the time 
of writing that Instrument (The Declaration) I lodged in 
the house of a Mr. Gratz, a new brick house three stories 
high, of which 1 rented the second floor consisting of a 
parlor and bed-room ready furnished. In that parlor I 
wrote habitually and in it wrote this paper particularly. 
So far I state from original drafts in my possession. The 
proprietor Gratz was a young man. I think he was a brick- 
layer and that his house was on the South side of Market 
Street probably between Seventh and Eighth Streets, and 
if not the only house on that part of the street I am sure 
there were few others near it." 

On Monday, July ist, 1776, it was resolved in Congress: 
"That this Congress will resolve itself into a Committee of 
the whole, to take into consideration the resolution respecting 
mdependency and that the Declaration be referred to the 
said Committee." This Resolution and the further con- 
sideration of the Declaration took up the Second, Third 
and Fourth days of July, and on the evening of the Fourth, 
the Committee arose and Harrison reported the Declaration 
as having been agreed upon. It was then adopted. Congress 
on the Nineteenth day of July ordered that the Declara- 
tion passed on the Fourth be fairly engrossed 6cc., and on 
the Second day of August the Instrument having been 
engrossed, was signed. 

Mr. Jefferson used to relate that the final adoption of 
the Declaration was hastened by a very trivial cause: There 
was a livery stable near Independence Hall from which 
swarms of flies came into the open windows and attacked 
with much vigor the silk stockinged legs of the distinguished 



members of Congress. Handkerchief in hand they lashed 
the flies but the annoyance became at length so great as 
to render them impatient of dehiy and they made haste to 
bring the business before them to a conclusion. 

As to the Signers themselves, a few particulars may not 
be uninteresting. They came from almost every walk in 
life; twenty-four were Lawyers, fourteen Farmers, nine 
Merchants, four Doctors, one Minister of the Gospel, and 
one Manufacturer; and they were long lived too for three 
of them lived to be over ninety, ten to be over eighty, and 
eleven to be over seventy years of age. These men well 
knew what would follow their execution of such a paper as 
the Declaration, but they were utterly unmoved by any 
thought of self. When Carroll signed the Declaration, some 
friend fearing that the cause of Independence would be 
defeated, and knowing Carroll's wealth, remarked: " 1 here 
go a few millions," whereupon Carroll turned and said: 
"That being the case, I will let King George know where 
to find me," and he signed "Charles Carroll of CarroUton," 
a form which he used in future. Stephen Hopkins's hand 
shook when he signed the Document and John Adams 
offered to guide the pen for him. "No," said Hopkins. 
"If my hand trembles mv heart is firm." John Morton 
gave the casting vote for Pennsylvania, a vote which would 
either confirm or destroy the unanimity of the Declaration. 
His vote in favor of it cost him many a friend but never a 
regret. On his deathbed he sent this message to his friends: 
"Tell them they will live to see the hour when they shall 
acknowledge it to have been the most glorious service I 
ever rendered to m}' Country." 

.As to this particular collection of the "Signers" letters 
little need be said. They are all worth reading and few of 



them are merely signatures without interesting subject 
matter. Characteristic in many respects ot the men them- 
selves and of the time, they show in almost every instance 
something of the writer's personality. Year by year the 
acquirement of a set of autograph letters such as these 
becomes more difficult. Some of them are now practically 
unobtainable, and it must be that m a short time a complete 
set of the "Signers" will be an autograph collector's "Ultima 
Thule"; but be that as it may some of their letters will 
always be procurable, and the possession of even one will 
recall more than any words the great deed which brought 
into being our Country. 



iSehJ ?|ampsi!)ire 



fogiaf) Partlett, MM 

Governor of New Hampshire 

BORN in Amesbury, Massachusetts, No- 
vember, 1729. Died May 19, 1795. 
Commenced tbe practice of medicine in 
Kingnesttn and was deprived, because of his 
zealous advocacy of Whig principles, ot 
various appointments he bad received trom 
the Royal Governor. As a delegate to the 
Continental Contrress he was the first who 
voted for the Declaration and the first after 
the President to sign it. In 1779 he was 
appoMited Chief Justice ol the Common 
Pleas and m 1788 became Chief Justice of 
the Supreme Court. 



Concord, January 17th, 1790. 



Dear Sir:- 



I congratulate you on your reappointment as member 
of Congress for this State, a Certificate is made out and 
forwarded with this which I hope will come safe to hand, 
Mr. Smith is the other person appointed. The General 
Court is now setting here. Are upon a revision ot the laws 
which will take a considerable time, have nothing material 
to communicate to you. I have receiv'' your favor of the 
9th ult" including a newspaper, wish you to inform me as 
often as convenient of the transactions of Congress. And 
am Sir \our friend &:c., &^c., 



JosiAH Bartlett 



Hon''" Nicholas Oilman Esqr. 
Philadelphia. 



»iUiam OTijipple 

BORN at Kittery, Maine, 1730. Died 
November 8, 1785. In eailv lite 
engaged in sea-taring, which he abandoned 
m 1759. about wliicli time he engaged in 
mercantile pursuits at Portsmouth, New 
Ham|ishire. After the adoption ot the 
Declaration he became in 1777 a Brigadier 
Cieneral in the Continental Army, participat- 
iii!: in the battles at Stillwater and Saratoga. 
In 1782 he was appointed judge ot the 
Supreme Court in the State ot New Hamp- 
shire. 



Albany 21 Oct 1777 

Sir, 

1 did myself the pleasure to advise you a few days 
ago that a Capitulation was Negotiating between Gen'. 
Gates and General Burgoyne. This business was happily 
concluded the 16"" Inst, and on ye 17"" the British Army 
marched out of their Encampment and laid down their 
Arms. I beg leave most heartily to congratulate you and 
my Country on this happy event. General Gates has given 
the Volunteers of New Hampshire an honorable dismiss- 
ion, the two Regunents who engaged till ye last of Novem- 
ber still remam here. I am directed by the General to at- 
tend M' Burgoyne to Boston. Nothing could have been 
more Seasonable than our Success over Burgoyne. An 
Army ot 3 or 4000 men from New York are endeavoring 
to make their way up this River, their design being to 
reinforce Burgoyne but fortunately for us they are too late 
and it the weather does not prevent General Gates getting 
his Heavy Artdlery down I am in great hopes M' Vaughn 
who commands the Plunderers from New York will soon 
be in the same situation with M' Burgoyne. Measures 
are taking if possible to prevent his retreat, which no doubt 
he will endeavor to effect so soon as he hears of Burgoyne's 
fate. 

I expect to start out tomorrow but as I shall escort 
M' B — to Boston it may be 10 or 12 days before I get 
home. 

The great hurry the Army has been in since M' B's 
capitulation has prevented my getting an e.xact Return 
of the Military Stores but such as I have been able to 
obtain I do myself the honor to enclose you. Col. Lang- 
don who set out ye 17"' Inst, took with him a copy of the 



Capitulation which no doubt he will send you before this 
comes to your hand. 

I have the honor to be with every Sentiment of Respect 
Sir, 

Your Most Obed: Serv' 

\V"> Whipple 

Hon. Mesheck Weare. 

(President of New Hampshire) 



Sirs 

Enclosed is an order for one bbl. of Powder for the 
Brig. Friendship which you will please to deliver immedi- 
ately to Mr. Fitzsimons that he may apply to the Commis- 
sary for the same as the Brig only waits for the powder 
in order to sail. 

You'l please to observe that it is the resolve of the 
Committee that this Brig take no more than four 4 pounders 
4 swivills &: 6 muskets, the remainder to be left in your 
custody till called for by the Committee. You'l take the 
Captain or owner's receipt for these warlike stores deliv- 
ered him. 

In secret Committee at Richard Henry Lee 

Baltimore 22nd Feb. Wm. Whipple 

1777. Francis Lewis 

To Mess. Curviance 



BORN in Ireland about 1 7 14. Died 
Ne\vbur\poit, Massachusetts, June 
2+, 1803. Studied medicine under Dr. Gruet 
ot Leicester, Massachusetts, and served 
abl\' as Surgeon ni tiie expedition against 
Cape Breton m 17+5. September 12, 1776, 
he was appointed by the House of Repre- 
sentatives a delegate to represent tor one year 
the State ot New Hampshire in Congress. 
He was successively Chief Justice of the 
Common Pleas and Judge of the Superior 
Court of New Hampshire and retired in 
1780 to a farm he had purchased on the 
banks of the Merrimack. 



Know All Men by These Presents, That I, John 
McCurdy of Londonderry, in the County of Rockingham 
& State of New Hampshire, Yeoman, For and in Con- 
sideration of the Sum of One hundred pounds. Lawful 
money of said State to me in hand paid before the deHvery 
hereby by Robert McCurdy of the Town, County and 
State aforesaid. Yeoman, the receipt whereof I do hereby 
acknowledge, have given, granted, bargain'd sold and 
released and b\- these presents do give, grant, bargain, sell, 
alien, release, conve\' and confirm to him the said Robert 
McCurdy, his Heirs and Assigns, All my right. Title & 
Possession I have or may Claim of in & to that tract ot 
land which I purchased from the heirs of the late Alexan- 
der Kelso, Lying in that tract which Thomas Packer sold 
to Jeremiah Smith and Nelson, — reserving my right which 
1 purchased from said heirs in that tract which I now 
dwell on which the late Alexander Kelso dwelt on at the 
time of his Decease. 

To have and to hold the said granted premises with 
the Appurtenances thereof to him, the said Robert 
McCurdy, his Heirs and Assigns to his and their proper 
use, benefit and behoof forever, hereby engaging to war- 
rant and defend the said granted premises against all 
Claims or Demands of an\' Persons claiming by, from or 
under me. 

In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and 
Seal this Kighth Day of fune, Ann. Domini 1778. 

Signed, Sealed and delivered 
in the presence of us 

Robert McFarl.'vnd John McCurdy (L.S.) 

Mathew Thornton 



Rockingham S.S. rlie 8th Day ot fune, 1778. Then the 
above named John McCurdy personall} appearing ac- 
knowledged the above written Instrument to be his vokm- 
tary Act and Deed, before me, 

Mathew Thornton 

Justice Peace. 



Jlagsfacijusietts; 



Jofjn J^ancocfe 



BORN in Ouincv, Mass., January 12, 
1737, died there October 8tli, 1793. 
Graduated at Harvard College in 1754 and 
was employed in the Counting House of an 
uncle, John Hancock, who, dying in 1764, 
left him a large fortune. He was chosen a 
member of the Massachusetts House of 
Representatives in 1766, and it was the 
seizure of his vessel "The Liberty" in 1768 
b\' Custom House officers which occasioned 
the riot m that year. Afterwards he became 
a member of the Provincial Congress at 
Concord and in 1774 its President. He 
became President of the Continental Con- 
gress m 1775 and remained President dur- 
mg 1776. The Declaration of Independence 
was accompanied in its first publication by 
the signature of Mr. Hancock alone. In 
1777 he returned to Massachusetts, was 
chosen first Governor in 1780, to which 
office he was annually re-elected until his 
death. 



Philadelphia, June lo. 1775. 

Sir: 

Bv order of the congress I transmit you the inclosed 
resolutions passed bv the congress this morning. The 
necessirv" of the present emergencv requires a speedy com- 
pliance with the first respecting the supply of powder to 
the armv, and I need not inform vou that the nature ot 
the service requires it to be done with as much secrecv as 
possible. If there are anv supplies of powder to be pur- 
chased in vour colonv vou will readily see the propriet\- of 
encasing it for the use of the continental armv, and in- 
forming the general of the armv thereof, as well as 

Sir 

^ our most obed' humble servant 

John Hancock. President. 



Samuel ^bams 

BORN in Boston, September 27, 1722. 
Died October 2, 1803. Was chosen 
in 1765 one of the three representatives in the 
General Court of the Town ot Boston, and 
at the time of the "Boston Massacre" in 
March, 1770, took a most prominent part in 
the stirring events ot that time. In June, 
1774, at a meeting of the general court, it 
was proposed that a Continental Congress 
assemble in Philadelphia, and he was chosen 
one of the five delegates. He was prominent 
by his energ\' and ability not only in this 
Congress but in the formation of the State 
Constitution of Massachusetts. He was 
the author ot many pamphlets and state 
papers and a clear and torcible speaker. 



Boston, May 1766. 



Dear Sir:- 



1 was very much disappointed in not receiving a letter 
from you by the last Post. I assure you I am very soUici- 
tous about your happiness & shall always rejoice to hear 
that you succeed in every purpose that has a tendency to 
promote it. 

You are seeking it in the Marriage State. Allow me 
to tell you that you will entirely miss of it there, or find it 
in its greatest Perfection in this Life. There is indeed noth- 
ing that will secure happiness to us in any state but virtue, 
or to speak in the too much exploded language Christianity. 
By this we are taught to believe upon solid ground, that 
every circumstance ot our Life, tho perhaps not agreeable 
to our own plan, is wisely ordered for our Good. — To the 
Christian what are called Misfortunes are Blessings in Dis- 
guise, but the wicked in every enjoyment feels a sting, even 
his Table and his friends around it are a Snare to him. 
We may search for happiness as for an hidden treasure, &: 
never find it. Gold, even the pure gold saith it is not with 
me. The favor of the great, tho I have not yet experienced 
It, 1 believe is deceitful, and the beauty of the fair, however 
captivating will soon fade. We know to what Solomon 
likens the Laughter &: Mirth of gay Fools — But "Religion 
only yields substantial Joy which Fortune cannot marr, 
nor chance destroy." 

Tell your charmer, tho perhaps she knows it already, 
that a female Pen wrote these lines. The polite and friendly 
terms in which she mentions me 6c m\' Betsy are very oblig- 
ing, antl pray make our sniirrt- complements to her, or it 
that seem a little |Kiradoxical assure her ot our Friendship 



for her. I know she is the center of your affections. I 
want much to be acquainted with her. I wish her happi- 
ness with the same Sincerity that I do yours & my own. — 
Adieu 

S.AM^ Adams. 

I wish you w** let me know who the 

Person from Boston was & will 

keep it an impenetrable Secret 

if you desire it. 

To Mr. Wii.i-iAM Chkcklev at Newport. 



f oijn ^bamsi 



BORN Braintree, Massachusetts, Oc- 
tober 19, 1755. Died July 4, 1826. 
Graduated from Harvard, 1755, and took 
charge of the Grammar School at Worcester 
for a short time. He subsequently removed 
to Boston and was one of the five delegates 
sent to the Continental Congress in 1774. 
He was one of the warmest supporters of 
the Declaration in the debate. In 1777 he 
was appomted Commissioner to France and 
was appointed subsequently Commissioner 
to treat with Great Britain for peace and 
commerce. In 1782 he negotiated a loan of 
$2,000,000 with the Dutch, also a treaty of 
commerce. After serving as Minister to the 
Court of St. James he became, upon the 
election of Washincton, Vice President, and 
was after Washington's retirement chosen 
President bv a small majority. He served 
in 1820 as a delegate to the Convention called 
to revise the Constitution of Massachusetts. 



QuiNCY near Boston, Sept \2, 1796. 



Mr. Stockdale 



I embrace with pleasure the opportunity by my sons 
of presenting you many Thanks for your kind Letter and 
obliging Present of an elegent Sett of your new Edition of 
The History of Republicks. 

I know not whether Experience of the Evils physical 
moral and political of Simple Government, will recom- 
mend to the public my poor Speculations in favour of 
moral forms, so at to give you a Profit by the Sale of the 
Book: but I know the Devil ought to have Mankind if 
they dont soon put a stop to the Progress of Cleons &: 
Clodms's Rienzis, and Wat Tylers. 

I have written since I came to America Discourses 
on Davild. You may make a fourth Volume of them if 
you will under the Same Title with the other three. With 
compliments to your family, 

I am, your 

friend and servant 

John Adams 
Mr. Stockdalk 

Bookseller, Piccadilly 
I/ondon. 



BORN Boston, March 1 1, 17JI. Died 
May II, 18 14. Graduated from Har- 
vard and studied theology, acting in 1755 
Chaplain of the troops on the Northern 
Frontier. He afterwards studied law and 
having acted in 1768 as delegate from Taun- 
ton to the Convention called in Boston, was 
chosen in 1774 representative from Taunton 
to the General Assembly in Boston and 
delegate to the Continental Congress. He 
served as representative in 1776, 1777 and 
1778. In 1780 he was Attorney General and 
in 1790 Judge of Supreme Court. He re- 
signed that office in 1 804 on account ot 
failing health. 



Taunton, Septr. 22, 1769. 



Dear Sir 



I have been in great anxiety for you ever since I left 
you. The appearance of a settled fit of sickness & a fault- 
ering constitution have filled me with very disagreeable 
apprehensions. 1 rely upon it therefore you will by the 
first opportunity let me hear of your Welfare, That if your 
Disorder was as slight as your Friend hoped it was I may 
enjoy the Satisfaction of knowing it, or whatever your 
situation may be, that I may exercise that Sympathy which 
closely attends you in all your Circumstances. Mr. Mc- 
Whorter the Bearer hereof keeps at Brackett and will return 
this week With complements to your Dear Spouse &: all 
Friends, I am your 

humble servant, 

R. T. Paine 
To John Adams, Esq. 

Living in Cole Lane 
Boston. 



Cltiribge #crrp 

BORN in Marblehead, Massachusetts, 
July 17, 1744. Died in Washington 
November 13, 1814. Engaged in mercantile 
pursuits and in 1772 was elected represen- 
tative to the General Legislature ot his State. 
In January, 1777, he was elected delegate to 
the Continental Congress and was Chairman 
ot" the Committee of the Treasury. In 1798 
and in 1 80 1 he ran unsuccessfully for Gov- 
ernor of Massachusetts, having been nomi- 
nated by the Democratic party. In 1810 
he was elected to the office and was re- 
elected in 181 1, and in 1 81 2 was elected Vice 
President of the United States. 



C.A-M3RIOGE. Zfth Mav. iSci. 

De.vr Sir: — 

Enclosed is a letter from Capt. Xath' Fellovres. a fcrrr. 
-^nublican iSc one of the wealthiest merchants of Morton. 

ng the copartner also of Mr. Brown, who received an 
appointment under the present sovemment. Cap:. Fel- 

■ es I am acquamted vrith but am a stranger to the gentJe- 
rr.en mentioned in his letter; The former of them, indeed, 
Mr. Gushing, has called on m.e. ic stated, that in a confer- 
ence %vith vourself. he had received the prom.ise of vour 
interest for his appointm.ent to the consulate of the Havar.- 
nah. when vacant, that his present circum.stances render 
it melegible on his part, and that Mr. X. Fellowes friend 
is well qualined as a .merchant to nil the office. From, the 
facts stated i: v.i-h others as ".'our station will enable ".•ou 
to attain, ^■ou vail be enabled I presum.e. in case of a va- 
cancy" ic a com.petition tor the office, to iudge of the relative 
merits i: pretensions of the several applicants. 

I have the honor to rem.am.. Dear iir 
vnzh the highest esteem, and respect 

;/our inend i: ".er." hum;ble ser^'ant 

E. GiRRY 

Honorable Mr. M.i.Disov 

Secretarv of State of the L. S. 



3^f)obe 3g(anb 



BORN in Scituate, Rhode Island, 
March 7, 1707. Died in Providence, 
[uly 13, 1785. Having served succes- 
sively as member of the General Assembly 
and Judge of the Court of Common Pleas, 
was in 1 755 elected Governor of the State, 
which position he filled with the exception 
of four years until 1768. He represented 
the State in the Continental Congress in 
[774, 1775 and 1776, and was for many years 
a Cliancellor of Brown University. Mr. 
Hopkins married the lady to whom the fol- 
lowing letter is aildressed. 



Newport, Sept. 2, 1754- 



My Dear 



While I am here employed in the drugery of following 
vice and fraud through the Unking places of craft and 
design, you are peacefully pursuing the paths of peace and 
contemplating the laws and designs of Heaven; go on ever 
m those happy courses and enjoy that happyness that is 
attendent thereon. \ our prayers will endeavour to pre- 
serve me from the snares incident to the station I am placed 
m. Mine shall attend you in your journey which I hope 
may be very agreeable as your returne will be to him who 
with truth subscribes himself 

Now and ever yours 

Stephen Hopkins. 
Mrs. Anne Smmh 
Smithtield. 



OTiUiam CUerp 

BORN in Newport, Rhode Island, De- 
cember 22, 1727. Died there February 
15, 1820. Graduated from Harvard College 
in 1747 he engaged in mercantile pursuits in 
his native place until 1770, when he began 
the practice of law in Newport. In May, 
1776, he took his seat in Congress of that 
year as one of the delegates from Rhode 
Island and remained in Congress with the 
exception of two years (1780-82) until 1786. 
He was in 1790 appointed Collector of New- 
port and tilled that office until the time of 
his death. 



Newport, June 21st, 1800. 

Dear Sir 

1 received \"our letters of the i6th of this month on 
the 19th P.M., and my son the Depy. Coll. soon saw Col. 
Crary's son who is in company with his father, and pro- 
duced the orders it inclosed, and requested payment of 
them. He replied that his father had sent a due bill to 
Genl. Knox which expressed the exact sum due, and that 
it was expected that he would return the due bill with the 
orders he might draw; — but that he would see me the next 
morning at the Custom house at nine o'clock. I attended 
in season, but he did not appear nor has his father or he 
been there or at my house. The afternoon of this day 
I went in quest of them and saw the Col. in the evening, 
who told me as his son had told mine, adding that this 
mode of a due bill was necessary to keep his accounts with 
the Public regulars, that it would not do for him to pay 
the orders and leave the due bill standing out against him, 
and that he supposed by this time the due bill was sent 
to \ou. When that bill is sent to you I presume Genl. 
Knox will make the contents of it payable to your order. 

I should have answered your letter by the returning 
post, had not young Crarv disappointed me. I shall with 
pleasure serve vou on this or any other occasion; for I 
am with esteem 

Sir your obed. servant 

Wm. Ellery. 
Benjamin Lincoln, Esq. 

Collector for the District of 
Boston (5c Charlestown 

State of Massachusetts. 



Connecticut 



looser ^fjerman 

BORN 111 Newtown, Massachusetts, April 
19, 1721. Died in New Haven, Con- 
necticut, fulv 23, 1793. Was a shoemaker 
in early hte but was in 1 745 appointed sur- 
veyor ol lands for New Milford. He was 
successively Judge ot Common Pleas and 
Assistant of the Upper House in the Legis- 
lature. He was appointed to Congress in 
1774 and was elected to the Senate in 1791. 
He was Ma\or ot" New Haven from 1784 
until the time of his death. He was a promi- 
nent member of the Continental Congress, 
and was for several years Treasurer of Yale 
College. His assistance in codifying the 
laws of Connecticut was most important 
and valuable. 



Philadelphia, Jan. 19, 1776. 

Sirs 

The enclosed paper contains several resolutions ot 
the Congress and an Act of the Assembly of Connecticut. 
Col. Dyer informs me that he sent copies of the resolves 
of Congress immediately after they were passed to you 
and to the Magistrates in the County of Northumberland. 
We have had an account of an attack on our people by 
some of the Pennsylvanians who were repulsed with the 
loss of two men killed, but have heard nothing from the 
Connecticut people relative to that action or whether they 
sustained any loss. There is a report here that your people 
have given some disturbance to the Settlers under Pennsyl- 
vania. I should be glad of a particular account from you 
of the situation of affairs relative to that unhapp}' con- 
troversy which tends to weaken the union of the Colonies 
at the present alarmmg crisis. I hope you will do all in 
your power to prevent any disturbances being given to the 
Settlers under Pennsylvania by our people and that the 
resolutions of the Congress be duly observed. You will 
observe that the Assembly of Connecticut have shortened 
the western limit of Westmoreland. I would advise that 
no jurisdiction be exercised over the Settlers under Penn- 
sylvania within the limits of P. Town if any be contrary 
to their mind. Col. Dyer and Mr. Dean have left Congress 
the time the\- were appointeil tor being expired, and Oliver 
Wolcot and Samuel Huntington Esqrs. are now attending 
in their stead. You will observe that the Congress have 
recommended that all the effects taken and detained from 
an\- persons on the controverted land be restored, it will 
be proper to apph' to the Magistrate who took cognizance 



of that matter for or restitution to the Sheriff who had the 
goods in custody, and if they are not restored that the case 
be represented to the Congress and if anything hath been 
taken from the people of Pennsylvania bv the Connecticut 
people that the same be restored. 

1 am Sir, with due regards 

Your humble servant 

Roger Sherman 
To Zebulum Butler, Esq. 
at Wyoming. 



Samuel ?|untington 

BORN Windham, Connecticut, |ul\ 3, 
1732. Died Norwich January 5, 1796. 
He held prior tcj 1775 the office of King's 
Attorney and Associate justice of" the Su- 
perior Court of Connecticut, and was elected 
to the Continental Congress in January, 
1776. He became President of Congress in 
September, 1779, and remained in office 
until July, 1780. He returned to Congress 
from May to June, 1783, and the following 
year was appointed Chief Justice of the 
Superior Court of Connecticut. Having 
been elected Lieutenant Governor in 1785, 
he succeeded Roger Griswold as Governor 
in 1786 and held that position annually until 
his death. 



Norwich, 20tli April, 1776. 

Sir 

Enclosed you have my account in the Case of Mr. 
Cogswell vs Town of Plainfield, which I forgot to give you 
when at Norwich. 

Am Sir with Esteem your humble servant 

Samuel Huntington. 

Eor Major Jediah Elderkin, Esq., 
Windham 

per Capt. Trumbull. 



Norwich, November 25, 1788. 

Sir 

In justice to Lieut. John Pratt, the officer employed 
on the Recruiting Service m this State tor sometime past, 
I have thought proper to acquaint you that his conduct 
as a faithful, vigilent & active officer while on that service 
so far as hath come within my knowledge i?c observation, 
merits entire approbation, 

With Sentiments of Esteem & respect 
I am. Sir 

Your humble servant 

S. Huntington 
Gen'l. Harmar 



WiUiam Wmiam^ 

BORN in lA-banoii, Connecticut, April 
S. 1 7;) I. Died there August z, 1811. 
Was graduated from Harvard College in 
1 751 and, being attached to the Staff of 
Colonel Ephraitii Williams, made a cam- 
paign in 1755. He liecame a prominent 
member of the Council ot Safety and a rep- 
resentative to Congress in October, 1 775. 
For many years he served in the State Legis- 
lature, fillinir a lartje number ot offices of 
trust, and was also a member of the Con- 
vention of his State which adopted the 
Federal Constitution. 



SiK 

This certifies That We, the subscribing Civil Authority 
and select men of the Town of Lebanon, have carefully 
inspected the rate .... or Tax Bills in the hands ot 
Capt. Elijha Hutchinson, containing several viz seven Ta.xes 
due and payable from the Inhabitants of this Town to the 
Treasurer .... of this State on their general list for the 
year 1782, of which B. Hutchinson is Collector & have 
considered the circumstances of the persons on whom they 
are severally assessed &: have abated and do hereby abate 
on & in part of said several taxes, viz 

On the M.ircli 1st taxes to the amount of _^' 15-10- 6\4 

On the March 2nd taxes to the amount of ^^ 31- i- i 

On the .April 22nJ taxes to the amount of y^i86- g— 27^4 

On the Aug. 2nd taxes to the amount of ^, 31- 1- I 

On the Dec. 6th taxes to the amount of _^" 93- 4- 7^-3 

On the Jan'y. 7th taxes to the amount of _y"lo8-l5— 2 

On the March 8th taxes to the amount of ^124- 5- 8^2 

Being two twentieth parts ot each ot said taxes &: have 
carefully applied the same to the relief of the most indigent 
&: such as stand in the greatest need of abatement & to 
the benefit ot such only as we judge unable to pay said 
taxes & parts of taxes, which we have abated to them 
respectively as the Law directs. 

And you will please to receive & allow the same in 
tavor ot said collector, in settlement with liim on said 
taxes. 

^'oiir most obedient humble Servants 

Wm. Williams, Assessor 

1a I! HZ, Clark Justice of Peace 

Lebanon 25th November 1785. 

John Lawrhnce Esq., 

Ireas'r. of the State of Connecticut ikc. 



(Plitjer OTolcott 

BORN Connecticut November 26, 1722. 
Died December i, 1797. Graduated 
at Yale and received a Captain's commis- 
sion from the Governor of New York. 
Became Sheriff of Litchfield County in 1 75 1 
and in 1774 a member ol the State Council. 
He tilled the position ol [udge ot Probate 
Court, was one ot the Commissioners ot the 
Indian affairs, and in 1776 commanded 
frontier Connecticut Regiments organized 
to assist tile Arnn of New York, and in that 
\ear took his seat in Cono;ress. Serving as 
Lieutenant Governor of the State from 1 785 
to 1796, he was elected Governor in the 
latter year and filled that position until his 
death. 



Litchfield 14' Aug 1776 

Sir/ 

I have been Favoured witli Two Letters from you 
since iny return Home, and which I should have sooner 
acknowledged had I been Situated in the usual Road ot 
Conveyance .... I hope your disagreeable apprehen- 
sions respecting what may be the effects of our Lreaty with 
France will be removed when you shall consider the ad- 
vantages which have already resulted from them, and shall 
hereafter find that National Benefit and Security which I 
flatter myself will be derived from this convention. For 
altho I have no great Dependance upon the Justice of any 
Nation, (Abstractly considered) yet such is our coincidence 
ot Interests and so few are our obligations that 1 appre- 
hend We have but little to fear from this alliance. French 
Honour I believe is equal to that of any other nation. "Fheir 
Interest in the Independency and in cultivating peace with 
this country is clear in my View — And I hope that Nation 
considers the Subject in the same Point of Light. 

We shall feel some Impatience till We hear the Result 
ot the Island b^xpedition — Our Troops make good their 
landing there last Monday — the weather since I believe 
has been pretty unfavourable for the Interprize — altho I 
hope there is but little Danger but it will succeed — The 
Expedition is I think a very good one, well planned — and 
not like that before projected, which if it had been success- 
ful no advantage would have accrued from it. . . . 

As to News except of the Domestick kind, I shall not 
atrem]it to give you any as your Intelligence must be earlier 
and more perfect than any I can communicate. I suppose 
you have before now seen the motion of the D. of Rich- 
mond to address his B. Majesty on the State of the Nation 



— This as I suppose it is a true so is gives a fuller repre- 
sentation of the affairs ot that Nation than any I had before 
seen. The Ridiculous King of G. B. and his ridiculous 
Ministers must (it capable of it) have most exquisite sensa- 
tions by this Time. — But it matters not or to us what they 
either feel or think, let them continue the curses to that 
Nation who are willing to bear them. . . . 

Our Superior Court have just ended there Sessions 
here, they have not ordered anybody to be hanged, altho 
probably enough sundry may have deserved it. 

You will I believe receive a Letter from Mrs. Adams 
by which you will be informed of the Wellfare of your 
Family. 

You will please Sir to ta\our me with every material 
Intelligence, and will also present my Compliments to 
Mrs Sherman and Mr. Hosmour — I am with respect Sir 

Your most obedient humble Servant 

Ol.IVKR WOI.COTT 

Andrkw Adams Esqr. 



Hartfokd, 14th Mav, 1 781. 

Sir:— 

I am at this place attending our Legislature. The 
last week the election of the Governor and Council of the 
State was consummated. The appointments are the same 
as thev were the last \ear except that two gentlemen are 
newly chosen to supply that number ot vacancies in Council. 
The election of members for Congress is the same as it 
was the last year e.xcept that Mr. B. Huntington is chosen 
in the room of the late Mr. Hopmore. 

We ha\e no late news except what has been brought 
In the French Frigate in whicii the Admiral came who is 
to take the command of the French Fleet at Newport. 
The intelligence brought b\- this ship \ou will receive. 
If the Czarina has recalled iicr Ambassador from the 
British Court, as is said, and shall the Dutch heartily enter 
into the War against G. Britain, we may hope for some 
further important events in our favour. 

The old continental money is very reluctantly rec'd 
in the State. I believe that our Assembly will limit the 
duration of its circulation. I'ublick credit here as in ever)' 
other state is in a ver\- low condition. How we shall be 
able to comph' with the extensive demands made upon 
this State, I cannot sa\'. I hope that every effort will be 
made to support every necessary publick measure. Had 
we believed as we ought to have done that the supplies 
must be furnished by our own exertion, the requisitions 
would perhaps ha\C been more seasonably made and more 
proper regulations adopted. 

People here are much chagrined at the positive orders 
given Cap't Harding to come into the Port of Philadelphia, 
which seems to ha\e occasioned the loss ot that Frieate 



and her valuable and necessary cargo. It seems that we 
are yet to learn that we never did nor never I believe shall 
keep one secret. I perceived before that I left Philadelphia 
that it was well known in the City that the Confederacy 
was to return into that Port, the time when she was expected, 
and her loading. It is very strange that such positive order 
should be given and it ought to be more strange that after 
they were given that they should be published. But it is 
only a single instance of our want of common discretion. 

I have taken the liberty Sir to enclose a Letter to Mr. 
Marshall which I beg your favour to send to him. 

I am Sir with real regards 

Your most obed. Servant 



Oliver Wolcott 



For Artemas Ward. 

Member of Congress 
Philadelphia. 



J?etu gorfe 



Wilimn Jflopb 

BOR.N in Suffolk County, New York, 
September 17, 1774. Died in Western 
August 4, 1 821. Early in the controversy 
between Great Britain and the Colonies he 
became conspicuous tor the energy with 
which he championed the pt)pular cause. 
In consequence ot this he was in early 
Revolutionary times appointed a delegate to 
the first Continental Congress and in 1775 
was again appointed delegate, which posi- 
tion he filled tor eight \ears. He became 
Senator tor New '^'ork in 1774, and was 
presidential elector in 1 801, in which year 
he was chosen a member ot the Convention 
to revise the Constitution in the State of 
New York. 



MiDDLETOVVN, October 29th, 1780. 

Sir: 

The note which you gave to Daniel Downs, dated 
^rd of June, 1775, soon came into my hands which I sup- 
pose you was acquainted with. I imagine it would be more 
agreeable to you to pay the money than to let the interest 
run upon vou as it now does, and as I am in want of the 
money, I have given Mr. John Ingraham an order to re- 
ceive it for me. The whole amount to the 3rd of November 
next is 265 Pounds, York money, and his receipt on the 
back of the order shall be your discharge for whatever 
sum he may so receive. 

Your compliance in paying the above mentioned order 
will oblige 

Sir, your humble servant 

W. Floyd 
To Mr. I AMES Downs. 
Southhold. 



BORN in Llaiidoff, Glamorganshire, 
Wales, March, lyij- Died in New 
York December 30, 1803. He came to New 
York when 22 years of age and was engaged 
in commercial pursuits until the war broke 
out in 1775. Elected to the Continental 
Congress, he took his seat in that body in 
May, 1775, as a delegate from New York, 
and remained a member ot Congress until 
1779 with a ver\- short interval of a tew 
months. 



Gentlem. 

I had the honor to write you the 31st Ult. & 7th In- 
stant, of which you have Copys herewith, as also all the 
necessary accounts relative to the Montgomery Prizes, by 
those accounts you'l find a Ballance resting in my hands 
of X'4978,4,6 due the Captors ^^ due to the State of New 
York £,"4951,3,9 Total £^^9929, 8,3. The Registers Bill of 
Costs on the Libells agt. the Minerva &: Cargo, 1 have 
not been able to obtaine, as the Register is out of Town, 
1 would advise the retaining abt. £,'30 out of the Captors 
moiety towards discharging that cost, especially as I have 
been informed b\- the Marshall that the Claimants intend 
to sue my Bond given for 4000 doll'rs to prosecute the appeal, 
as they allege damages thev have sustained by detention 
of the Vessells and expenses ot Witnesses. 

When I left Phila. Mr. Ph. Livingston promised me 
he would endeavor to procure an application from Congress 
to the Governor of Virginia permitting salt to be purchased 
there for the State of New York, upon my receiving the 
application 1 shall send dosvn my son to Virginia for the 
purpose. . . . last night a small Vessell arrived here with 
100 bus. salt from Hampton Virginia which was purchased 
at North Carolina by a Trader of this Town &: sent by land 
to Hampton. Five men of War besides Tenders being at 
the Capes the navigation into this Bay is at present entirely 
blocked up. and by the last advice from Jersey we are 
informed that the British Troops were at Somerset Court 
House on their march to Delaware, so that it salt can be 
procured in these parts the transportation must be hazard- 
ous. 1 have the honor to be 

Gentlem. 
^Our Obed' Iliiml^le. Servt. 

Fr.1i. Lkwis 
Baltimore zoth June 1777. (over) 



p. S. since writing the foregoing I have been furnished 
with the Admiralty Court's Costs on the Libell agt. the 
Brig. Minerva 57,19,5 also for 2 Tons Pig Iron taken by 
Capt. Rogers for Ballast omit'd, 33,0,0 — ,{,90,19,5 To be 
dected. from the Nett pCeeds exclusive of the £31 for 31 
Galls, of Rum, for the pavinent of the Rum shall waite 
your orders. 

The Honble. Council of Safety 
for the State of New York. 



^ijilip l^ibinsston 

BORN in Albany, New York, fanuary 
15, 1716. Died York, Pennsylvania, 
|unc 12, 1778. Graduated at Yale College 
in 1757 lie was engaged in commerce in New 
York City. Appointed to the Colonial 
House of Assembly in 1758 he continued 
to serve as a member of that body until 1769. 
He served as a member of the first and 
second Continental Congress, later in the 
New York Provincial Congress, in the State 
AssembU' and in the Senate. He died 
when serving as a delegate from New York 
to the Continental Congress then sitting in 
York. 



Nhw York, the 5th May, i 



//5- 



Nh 1)k Katev 

\'oii have no doul)! been very uneasy at the melancholy 
news from Boston, which has occasioned the greatest con- 
tusion and anxiety here, the Town is however now pretty 
quiet, how long that will continue God only knows. We 
are in tlie greatest state of uncertainty whether any Troops 
are coming here from England or not, if they do I am 
very tearful it will occasion disturbances ot a very serious 
nature. 

People here are determined not to submit to the op- 
pressive Acts ot Parliament and to give New England all 
the assistance they can. 1 shall leave this place for Phila- 
delphia ne.xt Monday to attend the continental Congress, 
where it is very probable steps will be taken trom the neces- 
sity ot the times, tiiat every good man would wish could 
be avoided. But in such times the strictest ETnion of Councils 
is necessary and I believe and doubt not but the Congress 
will unite like one man in every measure necessary for the 
common safety. 

The Boston Delegates came to tow-n this afternoon, 
the account of that battle is much as we heard it; the 
King's Troops began first, they lost 112 men and 167 
wounded, the Provincials lost 37 men. Boston is surrounded 
b\' about 1^1,000. nun who are in high spirits and think 
themsehcs an (nermatch tor all the troops that General 
Ciage has thire and expects to have. God grant them 
success. 

Send Stejihen liown that he may be at school. P^liza- 
beth Town is sate eiKJUgh. I see you have let the Island, 
^'oii nnist agree with the tenants to pay taxes, not to plant 
more than .50 acres of corn in one year nor nearer together 



than comiiion, and not two years following m one place. 
To keep at least ^o acres in mowing ground. To repair 
the building at their own expense. To cut no trees on or 
near the Bank of the River. Xo plant a sufficient quantity 
of willows at the north part of the Island. Not to sow 
more than 5 acres of hemp. Nor to take an\' dung off the 
Island but all that is made to be made use ot on the same 
to the best advantage. 
I remain, Dr Katey 

Your affectionate father, 

Phil. Livingston 

I sent last week to the care of Wm. Dincii Gen. Broceh 6 
trunks which you will please send for and keep at your 
house. I could wish that tew people knew that they be- 
longed to me. 

P. L. 



Mkss. Bavnton, Wharton & Morgan 
Merchants at Philadelphia, 

New "^'ork the 28th Nov. 1767. 

Messrs. Baynton, Wharton &: Morgan 

Gent. 

I received vours dated 17th inst. advising me of the 
state of your affairs. You may be tuUy assured that the 
first accounts of that affair gave me great concern, not 
on m\' own account hut for \ou and your families any man 
of the least humanity cannot help feeling on such occasions. 
It gives me real pleasure to find you are still of opinion 
that after paying all your debts, something handsome will 
be left .Sc heartily &: sincerely wish it may prove so. ^'ou 
are most undoubtedly mistaken in telling Mr. Hicks that 
you had no concern with Mr. Ver Plank. The Kettles 
I bought of him for your account & on your credit entirely 
& I did not mean to charge you any commission on the 
same as I wrote to you, but you insisted on it &: then I 
did charge it, but to putt that matter out of all dispute & 
to evince in the clearest manner how is was understood 
between Mr. Verplank and me I send you at foot a copy 
of Mr. Verplanks original bill parcells wherein he charges 
you iS: I have \our letter directing me to bu\' of him so that 
1 was only an Agent for you &: as such I had an undoubted 
right to charge a commission for my trouble witliout making 
m\self at all liable tor the debt which I would however 
not have charged had \ou not insisted on it. A commission 
ot zk per cent, would hardh' tempt me to buy goods pa\'- 
able at a distant period ^ to insure the debt. I have further 
to observe to \(H1 that Mr. Verplank never opened his 



lips to me about this affair since the purchase was made 
so that the steps he has taken to arrest you are entirely 
without my knowledge, privity or procurement and I am 
apt to think he did not look in his daybook at his original 
entry when he wrote to Mr. Hicks or lie must there have 
seen that the goods were sold at g months credit, as you 
will see by copy of the bill parcells dated 8 April so that 
the time of payment is not untill the 8 January next. 1 
have not been very well for some days but hope to see Mr. 
Verplank before I seal this letter it so you shall be informed 
at foot what he says if not, by the next post. 

30th November, since the above was wrote I have 
spoke to Mr. Verplank he says that he bought the kettles 
of you by me as your agent, that he made the entry so in 
his book and never had the least thought that I was any 
way liable to him. He well remembers that 1 showed him 
your letter directing me to buy the kettles of him &: he 
debited you accordingly. Mr. Verplank you must be sence- 
able can have no desire to shift the debt from \ou to me 
at this juncture. I do not tiiink he will be prevailed on 
to give time &: even was 1 liable and Mr. Verplank had 
no right to sue, it lie insisted on my paying the money I 
woulil think It my dut\' to insist on the same from you, 
there can be no reason assigned \\ by 1 should pay the money 
out ot my pockett not having had an\' \iew in the whole 
transaction but to serve your interest. 

1 am Gentlemen 

Your most obedient servant 

Phil, Livingston 



Nkw '^'okk S'tli April 176 



I- 



Mess. Bayton &: Wharton 

by Phili, Livingston, I'.sc]. 

z Casks Raw Brass Indian Ktttles viz. 

!J°-'+ ■■■+-^^^|87ol.. Bf.A,. /:,iq.i2.6 
No. 25 4.15: \ ' 

A parcL'll of Wire tor Ditto. . W 542 L. B i . .£" 27. 2.0 

£146.14.6 



Hetuig iHorri^ 



BORN at Moiiisania,\\ cstcliester Count) , 
New York, in 1726. Died January 
22, 1798. Graduated at Yale College 1746 
and, interesting iiimself largely in farm- 
ing and extensive agricultural pursuits, he 
was chosen a member of Congress in 1775. 
Me was appointed a member ot the Com- 
mittee to devise means for supplying the 
Colonies with the necessaries of war. He was 
afterwards sent west to detach the Indians 
from the British and in 1776 returned and 
resumed his seat in Congress. Afterwards 
he rendered distingmshed service in his 
State Legislature. 



Sir 

Yesterday I received yours hut my Lord Louder not 
being as yet come to this place cant certainly tell you the 
time when I shall be able to pay the money but he is every 
da\' expected and then I shall advise you, and I cannot 
say but it will be as convenient to me to pay you in bills 
as cash which you know when his Lordship 

arrives here. 

Pray make m) c<jmphments to Mrs. Cox 
From Sir 

' Your Most Humble Servant 

Lewis Morris, Jr. 
New York Nov. 24th, 1756. 
To William Cox, Esq. 



iSeU) Jcrs^ep 



3l^icijarb Stockton 

BORiN near Princeton, New [ersey, 
October i, 1730. Died February 28, 
1 78 1. Studied law after graduating from tbe 
College of New Jersey in 1 748 and was 
admitted to tbe bar in 1754. He was aj)- 
pointed Judge of tbe Supreme Court in 
1774, baving been previously a member of 
the Executive Council of New Jerse)'. He 
became a member of Congress in 1776 and 
wbile inspecting tbe Nortbern Army was 
captured by the British. The severe treat- 
ment be underwent as a prisoner undermined 
his health and was in fact the immediate 
cause of bis death in 1781. ' 



Aug. 14, 1769. 

My Lord 

Agreeable to the communication which passed between 
us at New York, I wrote Mr. Allwood upon my coming 
home to attend me which he has done this day. In the 
course of my speaking to him I told him that all you desired 
was sotne publick memorial of his repentance, and that 
therefore I had reason to believe it was not the quantity 
but the quality of the compensation you would regard and 
w-ent so far so with him as to say that upon my intersession 
you had signified to me that you would abate of the length 
of the road to be repaired. Finally upon my advising him 
to accept of the mode of reparation your Lordship had 
fixed upon, he consented, but told me at the same time 
that a number of his neighbors would approve and others 
disapprove of it, nay that some had gone so tar as to say 
if he threw one stone out of the road on this occasion, they 
would throw in two. 

I did not fail to represent to him the danger of such a 
turbulant and factious spirit and insisted upon his quelling 
it in person without any delay, which he has engaged to 
do by all possible means. He has engaged to put into 
good repair at his own expense the long causway which 
I am informed is adjoining to & crossing over Dead River, 
and will complete it as soon as hands can be had from seed 
time, it shall be finished the next month. He has left and 
upon my assuring him that I would write your Lordship 
and beg your acceptance of the terms, and I flatter myself 
that I shall not be an unsuccessful mediator, upon his 
paying the costs, of suits, which he has also engaged. 

I hope your Lordship will not think it necessary to 
insist upon any greater length of way, as I believe no more 



can be obtained, but in case of your refusal to accept of 
this, he will suffer an involuntary judgment to go against 
him, and trust to a Jury of Inquiry for the damages. 

I hope to hear from your Lordship speedily upon this 
matter, as I have promised to write Mr. Allwood when 
I am favoured with your answer, and at the same time 
will be glad to hear that the suit on the part of New Jersey 
stands in a favorouble light before the Commissioners. 

With great respects, I am my Lord 
Your Lordship's 
Most obedient servant. 

Richard Stockton 

To Lord Stirling. 



BORN in the Parish ot Yester, near 
Edinburgh, Februar\- 5, 1722. Died 
near Princeton, New Jerse)', September 15, 
1794. He was ordained Minister ot the 
Parish of Beitii in the West of Scotland 
in 1745, and on November 19, 1766, was 
unanmiously chosen president by the 
Trustees of the College of New Jersey. 
This he at first refused but afterwards 
accepted. He became pastor of a Church 
in Princeton and in 1776 became a member 
ot the Contmental Concress. His services 
in the cause ot liberty were untiring and 
he remamed a member of the Continental 
Congress, representing New Jersey, for six 
years. During the whole of that time his 
devotion to public affairs and his close 
attendance upon the Congress was remark- 
able tor Its zeal and perseverance. He 
retned m the month of November, 1782, 
atter a long series of important services. 
His powers of memory were remarkable. 
He otten said that he could precisely repeat 
a speech or sermon written by hmiselt atter 
reading it over only three times. 



Pequa, February 3, 1777. 

Sir 

The bearer is Mr. John Kittera, son of a substantial 
freeholder in this County. He was educated in this School 
&: at Princeton College when he was approved both in 
point of Behaviour & sufficiency He intends applying for 
being made . . . regimental paymaster to one ot the Regi- 
ments of this State. Supposing this office to be m the ap- 
pointment of the Council of Safety we recommend him to 
you &: by you to the other members of that body being 
persuaded that he will acquit himself to your satisfaction 
both in point of ability iSc fidelity. 

We are Sir \our most obedient humble servants 

John Witherspoon 
Robert Smith 
To Capt. Bleuver. 
Philadelphia. 



Jfrancis; J|opliins;on 

BORN in Philaddphia in 1737. Died 
May 9, 1791. Graduated from the 
College of Philadelphia, he was in 1761 
Secretary ot the conference held on the Lehigh 
between the Pennsylvania Government and 
various Indian tribes. He was sent to 
Congress in 1776 as a representative ot 
New [erscy. Was Judge ot the Admiralty 
of Pennsylvania tor ten years, having been 
appointed in 1 779, and was atterwards com- 
missioned United States District Judge of 
Pennsylvania. 



To his Excellency the President & Honourable the Supreme 
Executi\'e Council. 

Gentlemen: 

Enclosed is a certified account of Fees received in my 
office during the Quarter ending the 13th Instant. I have 
to request that your Honours would be pleased to grant 
me a Warrant on the Treasury for fifty Pounds on account 
of salary, agreeably to former usage. 

I have the honour to be with all due respect. 
Your most obedient and very humble servant 

Francis Hopkinson 
Philadelphia 
March 17. 1785. 



5 oijn J^art 



BORN llopcwcll, New Jersey, 1708. 
Died tlure 1780. Was tor many years 
a memher ot the Colonial Assembly and was 
in 1774 elected representative to the Congress 
at Philadelpliia. He served there witli dis- 
tinction, his excellent judgment and inflexible 
will making him one of the most valued and 
respected members of that body. 



I'rovince of New Jersey, fct. Frederick Smyth, David 
Ogden, Richard Stockton, John Stevens, Daniel Coxe, 
Wilhani Morris, WiUiam Cleayton, John Hart, John 
Grandine, Isaac Smith, Micajah How, Samuel Tucker 
and John Mehelm, Esquires, Justices of our Lord the King, 
By Virtue of his Majesty's Commission of Oyer and Ter- 
miner, and general Gaol delivery for the County of Hunt- 
erdon assigned. To the Sheriff of the County of Hunterdon 
Greeting; on behalf of our Sovereign Lord the King, We 
command you, that, \ou omit not for any liberty but that 
you cause to come before us Frederick Smyth, David 
Ogden, Richard Stockton. John Stevens, Daniel Coxe, 
William Morris, William Cleayton, John Hart, John Gran- 
dine, Isaac Smith, Micajah How, Samuel Tucker, and 
John Mehelm, Esquires, Justices of Oyer and Terminer and 
General Gaol Delivery for the County of Hunterdon afore- 
said, or any three or more of us, whereof the said Frederick 
Smyth, David Ogden or Richard Stockton to be one, at 
the Court House in the County aforesaid, on Thursday 
the Fifteenth day of June next all prisoners in your Gaol 
detained, together with the attachments, indictments, and 
all other helps those prisoners in any Manner touching. 
And of the Vicinage of every vill and place where those 
felonies whereof the said Prisoners are appealed or arrester 
were committed, as well within Liberties as without. Twenty 
four good and lawful Men to make a Grand jury for said 
County, also forty eight good and lawful Men, by whom 
the Truth of the matter may be better known and inquired 
into, and who those prisoners in no Affinity do touch, to 
do those things which on the Part of our said Lord the 
King then and there shall be enjoined them. You are also 
to cause it publicly to be proclaimed throughout your 



Bailiwick, that all those who will sue against said Prisoners 
may be there against them according to Justice to prose- 
cute. You shall also make known to all Justices of the 
Peace, Coroners, Constables and Bailiffs of every Liberty 
and Precinct in your County, that they be then there in 
their proper Persons with the Rolls, Records, Indictments 
and other memorandums, to do there things which to their 
(Offices appertain, in this Behalf to be done and performed, 
and that you yourself and your undersheriff with your 
Officers to be then, and there in your proper persons, to 
do those things which to your Offices belong in that Behalf, 
to be done and performed; and have you there then the 
names of the Justices, Coroners and Constables, and of 
them whom you shall cause to come before us, and to 
whom you shall so have made known, and have you also 
there then this Precept. Dated at Burlington the Eigh- 
teenth day of May in the year of our Lord One thousand 
seven hundred and seventy five. 

Richard Stockton John Grandin 

Daniel Co.xe John Hart 

William Cleayton Micajah How 
Isaac Smith 



iHijiafjam Clark 

BORN Elizabetlitown, New Jerse)'. Feh- 
rnar\- 15, 1726. Died Railway, New 
Jersey, in 1794. Having held several impor- 
tant local offices lie was appointed |une 21, 
1776, In the Provincial Congress a delegate 
to the Continental Congress. In that capac- 
ity he served until November, 178J, except 
during the session ol" 1 779. In 1 787 he 
was appointed In' the Assembly of New 
Jersey one ot the Commissioners to represent 
that State in the Convention which framed 
the Federal Constitution, and was a member 
also ot the second Congress, being elected 
to it in 1790. 



March 29, 1778. 

Mr. \\';uls\vorth is desired to puruse tlie enclosed regula- 
tions and signifi his pleasure whether he is willing to accept 
the appointment of Comsy. General, and whether he hnd 
any defect in the System of consequence sufficient to require 
a reconsideration. 

The information may be given to Mr. Dyer or 
His humble servant 

Abra Ci..'\rk. 

To JhKI-MIAH WaDSWORTH, Ks(|. 

Yorktown 



JPennsJplbania 



Boljeit Jlorris; 

BORN in Lancashire, England, Janu- 
ary 20, 1734. Died Philadelphia May 
8, 1806. Arrived in Philadelphia when 15 
years of age, and having received a com- 
mercial education, entered into partnership 
with Mr. Tlionias Willing in 1754. In 1775 
while presiding at a meeting ot the Anniver- 
sary of St. George, news of the massacre of 
Lexington was received In' his company. 
From that moment his resolution as to his 
future political course was fixed. He was 
appointed a memher ot Congress November 
3, 1775, and became a member of the Com- 
mittee on Naval Armament. His services to 
the finances of the Revolution were invaluable. 
On February 20, 1 78 1, he was appointed 
Secretary ot Finance and Washington offered 
him the position of Secretary of Treasury 
but this he declined. 



Phii.ada. April 19, 1777. 

Mess. Samuel & Robert Purviance 

Gentlemen 

Your favour of the 12th ^ igth Inst, came dulv to 
hand, the first advising your purchase of flour .Sc enclosing 
inventories of the two prize Vessells. We think the flour 
was bought very reasonably &: mentioned it in Congress 
as proper to be delivered to the Commissary at Baltimore 
for the use ot the armv which was agreed to (Sc he must 
settle with \()U for it. We entered into the consideration 
of purchasing the Prize Vessells immediately & for several 
reasons that need not be repeated, thought it best at present 
to decline a purchase however we shall be glad to know 
who bu\s them 6c and the price they sell for, as it may 
probabl)- suit to charter should the purchasers want freight. 
Wc have seen the owner of the Brimstone here .S: he has 
our offer under consideration. Respecting the Cloathing 
you have purchased or have in view to purchase, we refer 
you entirely to the Clothier, General James Mease Esq., 
whose department it is to manage those affairs. It would 
give us pleasure to hear that the Virginia Cap. Nicholson 
was sailed «!n: your Bay cleared of the enemies ships. There 
are several of them at Cape Henlopen where they have 
done mucli mischief We are Gentlemen 

"\ our obedient &■ lunnble servants 

B\ order of the Secret Rohert Morris 

Commander. Chairman. 

Baltimore. 

To Mess. Samuel .Sc Robert Purviance 
Merchants in 
Baltimore. 



No. 3. 

Hills, Febry. 5, 1798. 

Dear Sir: — 

If writing notes could relieve me you would do it sooner 
than any man in the world, but all you have said in those 
now before me No. 5 to 9 inclusive, amount when summed 
up to iiotlinig. My money is gone, my Furniture is to be 
sold, I am to go to Prison &: my family to starve. 

Good Night 

Robert Morris. 
To 

John Nicholson, Esq. 



S^enjamin Jfranfelin 

BORN Boston, Mass., Januar\ 17, 1706. 
Died Philadelphia, April 17, 1 790. 
Spent his eail\' lite in his lather's shop and 
came to Philadelphia in 1 723. In I73() he 
was made Clerk of the General Assembl) 
and 1737 Postmaster of Philadel|ihia. In 
1747 he began those experiments in elec-trKit\ 
which made him known throughout the 
world. He obtained the grant from the 
Legislature establishing the Pennsylvania 
Hospital and was on June 7, 1776, appointed 
one ot the Committee to prepare the Decla- 
ration. In the same )ear he went as a 
Commissioner to the Court ot France and in 
1778 concluded the treat)' ot alliance. His 
services to his country and to humanity were 
of so wide and varied a character that it is 
impossible to tiilh enumerate them here. 



Phii.ada. Sept. S, 1776. 

Sir 

The Congress liaving appointed Mr. Adams, Mr. 
Rutledge & myself to meet Lord Howe and hear what 
propositions he may have to make, we purpose setting out 
to-morrow and to be at Perth Amboy on Wednesday morn- 
ing as you will see b\' the enclosed, which you are requested 
immediately to forward to his Lordship; and if an answer 
comes to your hands, that you would send it to meet us at 
Amboy. What we have heard of the Badness of the Roads 
between that place & New York, makes us wish to be spared 
that part of the journe\-. W'ith great respect 6c esteem, 
1 have the iionour to be 

Sir, 

Your Lxcel's. most obedient & most humble servant 

B. Franklin 
To His Kxcel. Gkn. Washington. 



Penjamin l\U£iij 

BORN B\ berry Township near Pliila- 
cklphia, December 24, 1745- Died 
Philadelphia April 19, 1813. Graduated from 
Princeton with the degree of B.A. 1766 and 
went to Kdinbuigh, where after two years' 
study be obtamed the decree ot Doctor ot 
Medicine. Alter study of bis profession in 
Paris and London be returned to Philadel- 
phia, and in |ul\\ 1776, he was chosen a 
delegate to the Continental Congress. He 
was also a member ot the Convention for 
the adoption of the Federal Constitution. 
In 179?, during the yellow fever epidemic, be 
rendered the highest possible service, re- 
maining in the City when man\ physicians 
had left it. He received many foreign 
decorations for bis researches 111 medicine, 
bis ability as a teacher being equal to bis 
skill as a physician. He was Treasurer of 
the United States Mint from 1779 to the 
time of his death. 



Mv Dear Friend 

I sit down to discharge a double debt to )'ou contracted 
by your two kind letters. My answer to them will be short, 
for I must meet my class in half an hour at the hospital. 
The interval between my ordering Peter to get my chair 
and his bringing it to the door is alas the only tune I can 
devote to you, tho. hours would be too few to inform you 
of all I wish to communicate to you. 

Mv class consists of io6 pupils inclusive of my appren- 
tices. It would have been larger had not Dr. Shippen 
persuaded several young gentlemen to attend Kuhn m 
preference to me. To effect this, he not only extolled 
Kuhn's learning & sagacity in strong terms, but spoke 
with great illiberality of my principles & character in 
medicine. It is tlius he pays me tor nearly curing his son 
of a pulmonary consumption by 25 bleedings, after he had 
been deserted as incurable by Kuhn and most ot the physi- 
cians of the city. I do not mention this anecdote with a 
view to complaining. On the contrary I consider Dr. 
Shippen's, unkindncss ik ingratitude with pleasure, tor 
slander &: persecution are one part ot my real estate. In 
this respect !n\' enemies have unwillingly made me one ot 
the richest men in the United States. 

I have read my Bulletin to my class upon the yellow 
fever of 1794. it was well received. It will be sent to the 
press in the siiring. 

1 have lateh'.had many cases of the maniacal state 
of fever, iioth in the hospital iS: in private practice. They 
yield to copious blood-letting. I discharged three patients 
in one day as cured of that deplorable malady about two 
weeks ago from the hospital. As pulmonary consumption 
is the chronic state of pneumon\ , so madness is nothing 



but the chronic state of Pleurisy. From the continuance 
of the appetite & of muscular excitement it recjuires more 
bleeding to cure the former, than the latter state of that 
disease. 

My dear Mrs. Rush & all the children join in love 
to you with yours 

yours 

Benj. Rush 
Philada. December 21, 1795. 
To Dk. Ashton Alexander 

at 

Dumfries, Virginia. 

P. S. I shall send you a printed copy ot my syllabus 
of my lectures in a few days under cover ot a letter from 
Mr. Blount. 



Jotjn iHorton 



BORN in Chester Ct)unt\ . I'ennsylvama. 
1742. Died April, 1777. Educated at 
lioiiic, three months being the total time 
s|Hrit hy liim in school. Was made |ustice 
ot Peace in 17(14 and was shortly afterwards 
appointed representative m the General 
Assembly ot Penns\ Ivania, of which he was 
Siieaker lor a long tmie; siibsec]uentiy he was 
appointed |udge of the Supreme Court. He 
was delegate in 1774 to the first Congress 
and was re-elected four times. He will al- 
wa\s he remembered as having given the 
casting vote for Pennsylvania when the 
votes tor and against the Declaration were 
beinsi cast. 



Pennsylvania S.S. 

IN ASSEMBLY. 

To foHN King, Gentleman. Julv 3, 1776. 

We reposing especial trust and Confidence in \-our Patriot- 
ism, \ alour. Conduct and Fidelitw DO, b\' these presents, 
constitute and appoint you to be second Lieutenant of a 
Company- of Riflemen of the Cit\- and Liberties of Phila- 
delphia, and to be one of the Compan\s of the fl}ing camp, 
for the Protection of this Province against all hostile Enter- 
prizes, and tor the Defence of American Liberty. 

You are therefore carefulh' and diligently to discharge 
the Dut\' of a second Lieutenant aforesaid bv doing and 
performing all Manner of Things thereunto belonging. And 
we do stricth' charge and require all Officers and Soldiers, 
under your command to be obedient to \our orders as 
their second Lieutenant. .And vou are to observe and fol- 
low such Orders and Directions, from Time to Time, as 
\ou shall receive from the Assembh' during their Sessions; 
and in their Recess, from the present or an\' future Com- 
mittee of Safetv appointed bv the Assembly of this Province, 
or from \our Superior Officer, according to the Rules and 
Regulations for the better Government of the Military 
Association in Penns\l\ania. and pursuant to the Trust 
reposed in \ou. This Commission to continue in Force 
until revoked b\' the .Assembh', or b\" the present or an\- 
succeeding Committee of Safet\-. 

Signed bv order of the Assembh' 

John Morton, Speaker. 



(ieorge Clpmer 

BORN in I'hihuklphia, 1731). Died 
lanuary 23, if>i3- Iiiliciitcd liom 
his uncle. William Coleman, who had 
directed his education, a considerable tortune. 
Was a member ot' the Council of Saietv' and 
in [ulv, 1775, became Continental Treasurer. 
On I ulv 20. 177'^. was appointed with 
Janus W ilson and others to succeed those 
members ot the Pennsylvania Delej^atioii 
who had refused their assent to the Decla- 
ration and abandoned th«r seats m Congress. 
Re-elected m 1 777 he contmued an active 
member of that bod\- until Ma\- ig, 1777. 
when he was forced to ask leave of absence 
on account of ill lualth. He was asjain 
elected in 1 780 and served until 1 782. He 
was also a member ot the first House ol 
Representatives, bemg elected b) a large 
maiority. 



Sir 

Captain Pigman's Representation respecting the Militia 
in Monongalia County was sent to us but on looking into 
it found it ought to have been addressed to you, and there- 
fore send it to vou. 

\our most obedient Servants 

Geo. Clymer 
Samp. Mathews. 
Gen. Hand. 



Jamesi ^mitf) 



BORN in Ireland, ijiq. Died York. 
Pennsylvania, July n, 1806. Came 
to America when 12 years old with his 
father. Attended the College of Phila- 
delphia, where be became slciltul in survey- 
ing. Studied law and removed to York, 
where he resided during the rest ot his lite. 
In the Provincial Assembly June 23, 1776, 
became a member of the Committee having 
charge of the Resolution declaring the 
Independence of this Province from Great 
Britain, and [uly 20, 1 776, was elected 
by the Provincial Assembly a delegate to 
the Continental Congress in the place of 
one who had voted against the Declaration. 
He died in his ninety-third year. 



York. 20th April, 1802. 

Dear Sir 

Immediately after the receipt of your letter of the 30th 
ulto. I made every enquiry in ni\ power, touching the 
proceedings of Mr. Wheelen's Hewers of Wood (for it 
seems the race of the Gibeonites are yet in existence) & 
found by every account, they were going on with the most 
destructive industry. 

You mention in your letter "that an agent should be 
employed to ascertain precisely, whether the land on which 
ye Trespass has been committed falls withm our claim, 
and if it does to what extent the injury has been done" to 
ascertain the facts with precision, no person seemed so 
proper, as the Commissioned Surveyor of the District with 
the assistance of some of the most respectable neighbors. 

As soon as I could possibly procure the attendance 
of Mr. John Eichelberger Surveyor of the district in which 
the land lies I furnished him with the Original Draught 
and written instructiond to direct him how to proceed with 
letters to some of the most intelligent neighbors to shew 
the lines and estimate the damage done to the Land, which 
business he has compleated, and by the enclosed Draught 
you will perceive to what extent they have proceeded and 
are still going on with unabated industry. 

James Liggits procedure surprises me much, as I all- 
ways esteemed him as a man of integrity, no man in York 
Count\- knew our lines &: Title better than James Liggit. 



As to Mr. Wheelen being a stranger to our claim & title 
what shall I think ? believing him to be a man of probity 
& honour, he must have forgot that, before his people 
entered on our land he was shewed our line & was informed 
of our title & warned not to cut any wood within our lines. 
I remain Dear Sir 
Your most obedient Servant 

James Smith 
Hon. Jasper Yeats 
Lancaster. 



George tlTaplor 



BORN in Ireland, 1 716. Died Feb- 
ruary 23, 1 78 1, in Eastern Penn- 
sylvania. Educated in the profession of 
medicine he gave it up and came to America, 
taking a position as filler in the iron works 
at Durham, below Easton, Pennsylvania. 
He became clerk for the owner of the works 
and aftei'wards married his widow and 
became manager of the works. He became 
a member of the Pennsylvania Assembl} 
in 1764 and continued a member until 1770. 
On November 4, 1775. he prepared and 
presented to the Assembly a dratt of 
instructions to the delegates to the Conti- 
nental Congress, directing them to vote the 
dissolution of the allegiance of the Province 
to Great Britain. On July 20, 1776, he was 
elected a delegate to the Continental Con- 
gress. On March 17, 1777, he retired 
from Congress and never again engaged 
in public service. 



Easton 4.th Decem'br 1780 

Dear sir/ 

I understand the Furnace is out of Blast some time ago 
& perhaps you could spare a team or two to send me a 
little Hay my Horse &: Cow have not a mouthful to eat 
& what is worse I have not a shilling to buy any. if you 
have any flat irons please to send me two or three pair. 
I wish you would take a ride up and settle the remaining 
part of the Hessians acco't I would come down but am not 
able to Ride. I should be glad to talk with you about 
several things that cannot be contained in a Letter. 
I am Sir 

^'r. most Huble. Servt. 

Geo. Taylor. 
RiCHi). Backhouse Esqr. 



fames OTiton 

BORN St. Andrews, Scotland, 1742. 
Died Edenton, North Carolina, Au- 
<^ust 28, 1798. Came to Philadelphia in 
1766 and obtained the position of tutor in the 
Latin department of Philadelphia College 
and Academy. He studied law in the office 
of John Dickinson and havinj; been admitted 
to the bar became eminent in the practice ot 
his profession. He served as member of the 
second Continental Congress, 1775, and was 
re-elected in 1776 and 1777. He was in 
1787 a delegate from Penns\lvania to the 
Convention which assembled at Philadelphia 
for the purpose of framing the Constitution. 
He argued strongly in favor of its ratifica- 
tion and delivered the oration at the proces- 
sion lormcd to celebrate its adoption. In 
1789 he was appointed one of the first Judges 
of the Supreme Court of the United States, 
became Professor of Law in the College of 
Philadeljihia in 1 792, and retained these 
offices until his death. 



Dear Sir 

Some business, which I lia\e to transact here, pre- 
vents my attendance at Lancaster. You will oblige me 
by giving some attention to the tew actions in which I am 
concerned in that County. An ejectment has long been 
depending in Cumberland County between the Lessee of 
the Reverend Mr. Andrews and Mrs. Fleming. I think a 
Distringas has been ordered for the next Court of Nisi 
Prius at Carlisle. If it has not, I must entreat of you to 
take the necessary steps at Lancaster to send the Distringas 
to the Sheriff of Cumberland County, and to give a notice 
of Treat to Mr Stevenson the attorney for the Defendant. 
I shall be at Carlisle. 1 wish you a pleasant and profitable 
C^ircuit, and am, with much Regard 

Dear Sir 

Sincerely yours 

JAMES Wilson 
Phiiada yth May, 1780. 

JASl'KR ^'kATF.S Es(|, 

Lancaster. 



#eorge ^o^s! 



BORN New Castle, Delaware, 1 730. 
Died Lancaster, Pennsylvania, July, 
1779. Admitted to the Bar of Philadelphia, at 
the age of eighteen he removed to Lancaster, 
wliere he obtained a fine practice. Became 
a member of the Continental Congress 
September 5, 1 774, and continued until 1 777 
a member of that bod}'. Lancaster County 
ottered him 150 Pounds of the County stock 
s a recompense for the time he had given 
to public business but he declined it. In 
1779 he was appointed fudge of Admiralty 
for the State of Penns\lvania but died 
very shortly after. 



a 



No. 904. Petition from Lancaster, 1755. 
May it please your Honour 

The enclosed letter from Mr. Allison with the annexed 
copy we have just now received by express, by which your 
Honour will be able to judge of the melancholy & distressed 
situation of the inhabitants of this & the other Frontier 
Countys ot this Province There are not one half of the 
people of this County who have arms and there is not 
amunition by any means sufficient for those that have. 
We beg your Honour's assistance in furnishing those that 
are willing to do their utmost tor the defence of their family's 
& bleeding Country in such manner as time and oppor- 
tunity will admit. And as we are thus destitute of all 
manner of warlike stores and in a great degree separate 
and disunited by means of our distant abodes and tor want 
of some plan of operation amongst us; tho. many are well 
disposed, unless some supplies are speedily sent to oppose 
the progress ot the enemy we in Lancaster as well as many 
more must shortly evacuate our places of abode. We are 
with tlie utmost respect 

\ our Honour's most obedient &■ humble 
servants 
Lancaster 12 November 1755 
6 o'clock P.M. 
P. S. Robert Thompson 

You have also en- John N. Cathkr, Justice 

closed a copy of an affi- George Ross 
da\it the original where- Joseph Shippen Junior 

of was sent h\' John 
Harris to Mr. Franklin. 
To the Honble. Robert Hunter Morris Esq. 

Governor of the Province of 
Pennsylvania. 
To Captain 'Fhomas Rodney Fsquire 

in Dover. 



©elatoare 



Caesiar I^obnep 

BdRN in Dover, Delaware, about 1730. 
Died 1783. Little is known of his early 
life. In 1762 he was a member of the As- 
sembly which met in New Castle, havini; 
been sent there by his native County. In 
1774 acting as Speaker he called a meetin<; 
of the Legislature and was sent by that body 
to the Contmental Congress to be held ni 
Pliiladelphia. Re-elected to Congress, and 
also made Brigadier General, he was in 1 777 
chosen President of the State of Delaware, 
and in 1782 declined a re-election and was 
asiam made deleirate to Consrress. 



Trenton, Feby. 12, 1777. 

I now set down to write you by Coll. Collins who was 
left sick at Alorristown and is not vet recovered. He came 
here the night before last & was detained yesterday by 
snow which fell the most of the day. As the first and most 
material piece of intelligence, I inform you that I am in 
good Health and have not been a moment otherwise since 
I left home. The day after you left me in consequence of 
permission had of General Putnam for that purpose, I 
got a waggon, packed up All. my Baggage and set out tor 
Pennistown Got about four miles on rny way and met 
orders from him to return to this Post, letting me know 
that upon second consideration, he thought it too material 
a post for any less than a General's Officer. I returned 
and soon after I came back Lord Sterling came to town, 
dined with me and promised that as soon as he got to Head- 
quarters where he was then going he would prevail upon 
General Washington to call me to Headquarters. How- 
ever General Washington supposing I was by that time 
with Putnam did not think proper to do it. Our people, 
or the most ot them, bv the time they had been a week at 
camp got so uneasy to return that General Washington 
ordered them away to join General Putnam. They set 
out, came to Putnam's post on Monday, yesterday week, 
and next day as they informed me by leave of General 
Putnam set out again and came here and the next day set 
out for Philada on their way home. Upon the whole I 
think the General hardly expected they would go any 
farther than General Putnam's Post. Because on Thurs- 
day evening last which was the day they left here, I rec'd 
orders from General Washington to take them into my 
Brigade with Putnam, supposing I had a Brigade under 



Putnam. All this appeared to be such a mistery that I 
could not tell what to think of it till Mr. Coll. Collins came 
and told me that the General finding that he could do 
nothing with them, said he would march them to Putnam 
where I was that I might try to deal with them, not know- 
ing that 1 had been ordered back by Putnam. However 
to do the men justice who came from our County Mr. Coll. 
Collins says he is convinced every man of them would have 
staid provided those from Newcastle and Sussex would 
but that they were determined against it. 

Captain Mannv had his men all turned out to stay. 
PIvery man upon being addressed. Now you must know 
the General requested them to stay only two weeks and 
that he would then discharge them. 1 most sincerely wish 
they had, for their uneasiness drew from the General a 
very severe letter to them which Coll. Collins has. 

I have just rec'd intelligence of an engagement between 
our troops and those of the English at Quibble Town, the 
particulars of which are not yet fully known here, but are 
related as follows — That Coll. Scott of the Virginians with 
about four hundred men were attacked by a Foraging party 
consisting of two thousand who beat him back. Coll. 
Scott continued to fight and retreat till he was reinforced 
which was in a very little time from different quarters to 
near as many if no more in number than the Enemy, and 
then beat the enemy back to their lines at Brunswick with 
the loss of all the Cartel Horses &:c. They had been pil- 
laging and three hundred or thereabouts of their men 
killed. Our people lost either two or three men. 

When I shall be discharged the Service in order to set 
out home cannot yet say, but suppose it wont be long. 
However am determined not to leave it while I am thought 



necessary or usetull, and have reason to believe the Generals 
ha\e hitherto thought nie both. 

I have now a lot ot acqiiamtance here, both Gentle- 
men and Ladies, that do e\er\ thnii;; m tlieir power to make 
m\' time agreeable, and will I am convinced part with me, 
when obliged to do it, with great reluctance, ^'oii may 
think strange how this should come to pass. However 1 
am certainly a man of consequence here, tho it" ever so little 
in my own State, and they have got it in their heads, tho 
ever so strangely, that I am a gentleman as well as a Whig. 
My love to Betsey, Sally, Caesar, Clyde &c. Remember 
me to all m\' friends and believe me 

^ ours etc., 

Caf.s.'\k Rodnky. 

P.S. pray don't neglect to have an eye to my business 
cither at plantation or elsewhere. 



Gentlkmkn of the Asskmiu.y 

I bee leave to inform \ou that in virtue of a Resolu- 
tion of the General Assembly passed the Twenty sixth day 
of June last, empowering the President to appoint a proper 
person to go to the City of Philadelphia, make inquiry for, 
demand, receive, secure &:c., the public papers belonging 
to this State that had been taken awav by the English. 
I appointed Samuel Patterson, Esq., who in pursuance ot 
said appointment proceeded to Philadelphia, and, by the 
papers returned me procured man\' of the Records above 
mentioned and lodged them in the Offices of Newcastle 
County, to which thev belong. He has also lodged with 
me an account of his expenses, which, with the other papers 
reported to me accompanies this message tor )our perusal 

and approbation. 

C.^E.s.^R Rodney 
Dover, Oct. the 29th, 1 778. 



Philauklphia, July the loth, 1776. 
Sir: 

You mention in your last that Mr. Wells is discharged 
the service. Coll. Haslet has not as yet reported that matter 
to Congress. When he does I shall attend to what you 
have said on that head. 

With respect to the other matters you sent me, I am 
of opinion that anv good effect which might flow from them 
must be local, I mean that it would be confined principally 
to the inhabitants of that County, — and on the other hand 
at a time ot such emment danger, when powerful Armies 
are actually knocking at our gates, and the serious atten- 
tion ot every friend to American Liberty is employed in 
giving that manly opposition to those vile invaders of their 
just rights, privileges and property. Whether it would be 
prudent to hold out to the World such numbers of internal 
enemies — especially as by the manly and determined spirit 
prevailing in the Congress their wings must and will be 
clipped. The Declaration has laid the foundation, and 
will be followed by laws fixmg the degree of offence and 
punishment suitable. Some people have done things, which 
if done in future nothing less than life will be sufficient to 
attone tor. These enemies to our righteous cause will 1 
apprehend be less on their guard if they are not held up in 
tiiat public way, than if they are, and will undoubtedly 
meet their due reward, provided you persue steadily your 
line of Patriotism, and at the same time keep a watchfuU 
eye toward their conduct in the politics ot your County. 
These things must and will be inquired into. But, Sir — - 
now is the time and season that our open and avowed 
enemies are pressing hard. They call forth the attention 
and utmost vigilance of the Congress to that point. They 



well know the\' have internal enemies in disguise, and 
whenever b\' the blessing ot God, their virtuous efforts 
shall be crowned with success. Thev will immediately 
turn their thoughts toward those sappers ot" the rights of 
mankind. It is also the business of everv Government so 
soon as formed to take in hand that business, South Caro- 
lina has alreadv set them a good e.\ample. 

I have sent vou a pamphlet called Observations on 
the Nature of Civil Libertv iJcc, wrote bv Doctor Price in 
England. It is an excellent piece, and don't doubt, prop- 
erlv used, will tend to strengthen vour patriotic or in other 
words independent partv. I have also directed one to 
Doctor McCall as present. 

The Militia ot Penns\lvania are beginning their march 
this dav toward New "\ ork, and I do suppose that hv the 
last of this week General \\ ashington will be thirty thousand 
strong at least. Coll. Haslet's Battalion (except one com- 
pany which to stay at Lewis ' is ordered up to Wilmington, 
as a security to Philadelphia, in the absence of their Militia, 
as well as to the Lower Counties, and hopes for this reason 
the Committee of Satety will permit them to retain i^while 
thus employed - the Militia Arms belonging to the public. 

Neither Betsy's or Sally's shoes are vet done. tho. the 
measures were sent as soon as I got to town. I am glad to 
tind that you are ot opinion my harvest will be down by 
the last of this week, pray do attend to it, perhaps wheat 
will bring something next year. 

I am vours .Sec., 

Caesar Rodney 



(George 33itati 



BORN Cecil Countv. Mar\Iand, 1734. 
Died 1798. Studied for the Bar and 
upon his admission began practice at New 
Castle, Delaware. He became hv appoint- 
ment Attorney General for the three lower 
counties of Delaware in 1763 and was in 
1774 elected to Congress. He strenuously 
opposed the adoption of the Declaration, 
maintainmg the time had not come for such 
action, but voted for it. In 1776 he was 
President of the Convention which formed 
the first Constitution ot Delaware. In 
1782 he was made judge of United States 
Court ot .Appeals and in 17Q3 Chief Justice 
of Delaware. He was the first Senator for 
the State of Delaware. 



No. 37 Newcastle, ye loth March, 1766. 
Sir 

There is a tract of between 50 &: 60 acres of marsh 
below and adjoining to the Town of Newcastle known by 
the name of the Town Marsh, eight acres ot which belong 
to the Hon'ble. the Proprietaries and hath been held by 
Mr. Geo. Monro under them for many years the rent 
thereof hath not been near sufficient to pay its proportion 
of rebuilding and repairing the banks inclosing the whole 
tract. Doctor Finney held about two thirds of the whole, 
Geo. Monro, Thos. McKean &: myself held about Four 
Acres each the residue. Six or seven years since the Banks 
broke and the whole lay under water until the last summer 
when Doctor Finney with the consent of the other owners 
& possessors raised a new Bank at the expense of about 
^3.10.0 per acre. The last fall and winter our new work 
suffered much which induced the owners here to determine 
upon laying out a considerable sume tor repairing it. A 
great number of labourers were engaged and Monday the 
3rd of March instant, fixed upon to begin, but the Saturday 
preceeding proved fatal to us. The wind and tide rose so 
high that the water made its way over the greatest part of 
the bank and levelled it in many places equal to the surface 
of the marshes, and we were once more overflowed. This 
accident occasioned a division of sentnnent about the re- 
building it. Some of the owners tiiought it impracticable 
but all agreed to sell and I became the purchaser from the 
owners here and now apply to your honor as a Com. of 
Property (not knowing whether there is another) to pur- 
chase the eight acres above some of the most ordinary in 
the whole. This in the opinion of persons who have no 
property there, among others I mention Mr. McWilliam 



who is a Judge nevertheless in order to make it worth my 
while to attempt the supporting a Bank to inclose the whole 
marsh there. I am willing to pay the same price per acre 
tor those eight acres that I am to pay to Doctor Finney 
who owned some of the best in the tract and none worse 
than this of the Proprietaries, to wit nine Pounds ten shill- 
ings per acre clear of any expense to the 3rd of March 
instant. — -N. There was then near Five Pounds and ten 
shillings per acre due to the Comp. Acct. from the said 
eight acres. And to make a compleat Bank with the neces- 
sary defences will cost me at least £350 calculating the 
expence from the 3rd of this month without allowing any- 
thing for casualties while the work is performing. This 
Sir is the state of that property more or less of which every 
Tide during this tempestuous Season is floating away. 
I should have waited ot you in person upon this occasion 
but I have twenty two workmen employed in preserving 
and securing the remains of the Bank, therefore I must 
beg the favour of you, Sir, to deliver your sentiments upon 
the above proposal to Mr. Tilghman who will be so kind 
as to communicate them to me by the hrst opportunity. 
I am your Honor's most obedient humble servant 

Geo. Rf.'vde 
To the Hon. John Penn, Esq. 
Governor of the Province of 

Pennsylvania & Counties in 
Delaware. 



Cfjomas; ilcllean 

BORN Cliester Count)', Pennsylvania, 
March ig, 1734. Died January 24, 
18 1 7. Was a member of the Pennsylvania 
Asseinhlv for manv years, having been first 
elected ui 1765. In that year he attended a 
f^eneral Congress ot the Colonies in New 
Yt)rk and was appointed Judge of the Com- 
mon Pleas tor New Castle County. In 1 774 
he was delegate from the lower counties ot 
Delaware in the first Continental Congress 
and served until 1785, having been chosen 
its president in 1781. He was Chief Justice 
of Penns\lvania from 1777 until 179Q, when 
he became Governor of the State, which 
office he retained until 1 808. 



My Dear Sir 

I am sorry 1 was not at home when your favor of the 
29th ulto. by express was left at my House, being then with 
the Congress at Yorktown in Pennsylvania, soliciting the 
affairs of the Delaware State. Every friend of mine, nay 
every man of common sense or common honesty must 
know that nothing under Heaven, but the love of my coun- 
try & of the virtuous part of the Delaware State, could 
have induced me to have undertaken the comirrand in chief 
when it was the duty of the Speaker of the Council in the 
Hrst place, or at least to have requested it of me; but from 
whom I have never vet heard, tho I wrote to him on the 
26th of last month and delivered my letter to his cousin 
Major Evans one of the Privy-council: I say no man could 
suppose it to be eligible in one who had quit the State and 
accepted the office of Chief-Justice in another, where he 
could have remained in peace & honor and taken care of 
his own property & domestic affairs without censure from 
any one, to neglect them all and step forth to save a "poor 
& distressed State" without a head, without a shilling, 
public records &: papers in possession of the enemy, to- 
gether with their capital &: principal tradmg town; the 
militia dispirited »5c dispersed, many ot them fled out of 
the State for safety, and a majority of the rest supposed 
to be disaffected to the glorious cause we are engaged in, 
and to undergo all the difficulties and discouragements, 
he was sure to meet with, and which has since been realized. 
No Secretary, no Great Seal &c., &c., to be heard of. 
The command to continue but a few weeks, and another 
person to succeed, who might either disconcert every plan 
he should propose or adopt, or reap the honor of it. Tho' 
sensible of all this, yet I have done it, and by the favor of 
God will go thro' with the business. 



You have new orders enclosed: Please to advise with 
General Dickinson &: whom else you please about the 
method of carrying them into execution with the utmost 
speed. There is somethmg more in view than what is 
mentioned, but I am under an obligation to the General 
to keep it secret. This hmt must not be mentioned. I 
must beg you will give orders to the Dover Light horse to 
hold themselves in readiness to march on a day's notice. 
I purpose to be at Dover next week. 

^'our commission as Major General is inclosed. Please 
to forward the packet for Brigadier Dickinson, who is ap- 
pointed next to General Dagworthy; Colo' Patterson is 
appointed third. 

Our affairs are again in a most prosperous way. Gen- 
eral Burgoyne's army of about seven thousand surrounded 
in a swamp by Twenty thousand Americans, his retreat 
and all supplies cut off, — General Howe's army, consist- 
ing on the day after the battle at Shad's Ford on the nth 
of Sepetmber of 8304 mcluding the sick, and smce reduced 
by the battle of the 4th instant inclusive of the sick to about 
6,000. soon to be attacked again by General Washington 
& an army of more than double the numbers; and the 
row-gallies, Batteries &c., playing their part most nobly 
indeed. In short a month more wdl m my opinion give us 
peace, liberty & safety. I know your utmost exertions 
will not be wanting. Let us quit ourselves like men, like 
freemen, and convmce the world we deserve liberty. 

You have the copy of a state of the British forces at 
& after the nth September among the papers, it was found 
in the pocket of a British Major, now a prisoner taken m 
the last action. General Agnew was kdled, a Hessian gen- 
eral supposed Lieut. Gen. Kniphausin mortally wounded 
and another Hessian (jeneral severely wounded, besides 



a great many Colonels iScc, and upwards of a thousand 
soldiers killed, and above an hundred waggon load ot 
wounded were brought into the city on the 4th. A Quaker 
from their yearl)- meeting told me this, and that he saw 
the two Hessian Generals in the condition I mention. 
General Washington in his letter of the loth to me says, 
"If the uncommon fogginess of the morning & the smoke 
had not hindered us from seeing our advantage, I am 
convinced it would have ended in a complete victory: But 
we must not repine, on the Contrary should rejoice that 
we have given a severe blow to our enemies, and that our 
ranks are as full or rather fuller than they were before. 
Having no Secretary to help me, I must subscribe 
m\self 

^'our friend &: most obedient Servant 

Thos. McKe.an 
October 15th, 1777. 
To M.'vioR Ghnkrai. Rodney 
at 

Dover. 



iHarplanb 



Samuel Cfja^e 

BORN ill Sdmerset Cnuntw Maryland, 
April 17, 1741. Died June 9, 181 1. 
Studied law at Annapolis, and was sent by 
tiie Maryland Convention to the Continental 
Congress in 1774. He remained a member 
until the end of 1778. Went as Commissioner 
from Maryland to England in 1783. He 
became in 1788 Chief Justice of the Criminal 
Court in Baltimore and in 1791 Chief Justice 
of the General Court of Maryland. In 
1796 he was appointed to be Associate 
Justice of the Supreme Court. 



Phila., Sept. 13, 1777. 

Saturday 1 1 o'clock, A.M. 
Dear Sir 

I wrote to you by express yesterday afternoon, inclos- 
ing an order on Mr. Harwood for 30,000 Dollars. I have 
received 20,000 Dollars which Mr. Smith or myself will 
send in a day or two. I have seen several of our Generals 
& many of our officers, & it is universally agreed that we 
have not above 600 killed and wounded, &: that the enemy 
have killed and wounded above double that number. Our 
Troops are in high spirits. We have intelligence that Gen'l. 
Howe has sent for to New York & Rhode Island tor an 
immediate reinforcement of 4,000. We have ordered 
1500 from Poats Kiln. The Jersey Assembly have voted, 
and preparing and will send in three days 4,000 of their 
Militia. They give a bounty of 4 Pounds a man. In a 
Captain's pockett was found a copy of Mr. Howe's orderly 
book, & Gen'l Washington says he collects from that 

Howe's force is between 9 & 10,000 men. Mr. Howe has 
no tents none but officers. We had before the battle 14,000 
regulars including officers &.' 5,000 Militia, we are encreas- 
ing. Yesterday noon Mr. Howe was not returned from 
the place of battle. 

Congress ha\e given brevet commissions to the officers 
who came with Mr. DuCondray, two of them Monsieur 
Augusto Le Brah, an able engineer, and Monsieur 
Pierre a skilful artillerist will be sent to you to give you 
their advice and assistance in defendmg our towns and 
reaching our artillery. They are both gentlemen and ex- 
]ierienced officers. I doubt not you will give thern a polite 
reception. Would it be amiss to get some person master 
of their language to be generally with them &: attentive 



to their wants &; to prevent their being imposed on ? They 
complain of disrespect i5c imposition here. Would it not 
be proper for some ot our \oung gentlemen to endeavor 
to learn their art ? Would it not be proper to have an 
accurate survey and plot of the harbours & grounds near 
Baltimore &: Anapolis. 
Adieu 

^ our friend 

S. Chase 

Where is Smallwood & Gist ? Where Nat Gist with his 
Indians ? 



Halt, znd Decembtr, 1803. 
Di AK Sir 

My youngest son, Mr. Ihonias Chase, is obliged from 
ill-health brought on by a sedentary life, to relinquish, 
almost as soon as commenced, the practice ot the law. 
He has been the two last summers to the Bath and Sweet 
Springs, in Virginia, but obtained no relief from his com- 
plaint, whicli is situate in the stomach. He is advised by 
his physicians to a changing climate, and he intends a voy- 
age by water to New Orleans; and will sail from this City 
on Sunday week (the nth) in tiie Ship "Comet." He 
proposes to go up the River Mississippe as high as St. 
Natchez; and he has some thought of making a permanent 
residence between those places, if, on view, he shall think 
it expedient. My son has not mixed, and is thereupon 
unacquainted, with the world. The knowledge, assistance, 
and advice therefore of some gentleman of information 
and experience would be highly acceptable. I hope you 
will excuse my soliciting you for an introduction of him 
to some gentlemen in New Orleans, Fort Adams or St. 
Natchez. Your compliance with this request will greatly 
oblige, Dear Sir, 

Your most obedient servant 

Samuel Chase. 
To The Honorable General Dayton 
Senator of the United States 
Washington. 



I^illiam S^ata 



BORN in Harford County, Maryland, 
October 31, 1740. Died 1799. Ad- 
mitted to the Bar in 1764 he was chosen 
in 1 77 1 a member ot the Provincial Legis- 
lature. Upon the adoption of the Constitution 
of Maryland he was made Senator for two 
years. He became Chief Justice ot the Su- 
perior Court of Maryland m 1778 and Chief 
fudge of the Court of Appeals in Admiralty 
Cases in 1780. Elected Governor of Mary- 
land in 1782, he served in Congress m 1786 
and was re-elected Governor. He became 
judge of the District Court of the United 
States in 1789. 



Gentlemen: 

The bearer hereof is Mr. Pots, a gentleman who some 
years past left England and resided in Maryland. He is 
now on his return and proposes to embark from Amboy. 
He brings with him several letters from gentlemen ot Mary- 
land for their correspondent in London. We believe these 
letters are not upon political subjects but if any doubts 
should be entertained, he is ready to submit them to in- 
spection. We are personally acquamted with Mr. Pots 
and know that he is not unfriendly to America. 

The gentleman who accompanys Mr. Pots is Mr. 
Thomas a native of Maryland and a friend to America. 
Your humble servant, 

Wm. Paca 
Th. [ohnson, Jr. 
Stkphen Hopkins 
I'hilada. March 26th, 1776. 
1 o Ihe Committee of Obser\atu)n 
at Ambov 



l^fjomas Intone 

BORN Pointen Manor. Charles County, 
Maryland, 1743. Died Alexandria, 
Virginia, October 5, 1787. Began the prac- 
tice of the law at Fredericktown, Maryland. 
In 1774 he was chosen one of the Mary- 
land Delegation m Congress and re-elected 
to Congress in 1775. He was again elected 
to Congress in 1 777 and in 1783 and in the 
intervening years served as a member ol 
the Maryland Legislature. 



Sjr 

1 wish heartily mv ability %vas equal to my inclination 
t(j pa\' the balance due by me to \our Company — when I 
promised you it was in consequence of engagements to 
myself for double the sum I need for you, in which I haye 
been yer\- unexpectedly disappointed. I have the greatest 
reason to believe I shall receive money ver\' soon & when 
1 do shall immediately call on you. More I can't do, tho' 
I should be e.xtremeh' sorr\- that \ou should want one mo- 
ment what is due from me. I have been almost ruined 
this year by the scandalous conduct of Sheriffs towards me. 
Otherwise no gentleman should have asked me rwice for 
cash owed him. The bal. of our whist acc't. I make 174 
no material difference from \ours which is most probably 
right. I will furnish you with a state, of acc'ts between 
.Mr. McBride &: self when I see \ou. I omitted to enter 
the last sum paid to his order iSc have mislaid the receipt 
for it uhich is the reason I can't send \"ou the state, now. 
I shall find the receipt or search ^: will do as above. 

I am Sir 

Your most obedient 

T. Stone 

1774, Feb. 2nd. 



Cljarlcsi Carroll 

OF CaRROI.I.TON 

BORN Annapolis. Maryland, September 
20, 1737. Died Baltimore, Novem- 
ber 14, 1832. Chosen a member of the 
first Annapolis Committee in 1775 he was 
on Jul\' 4, 177b, appointed a Deietrate of 
Congress, and placed on the Board of War. 
He assisted m dratting the Constitution of 
Maryland and was afterwards ciiosen to the 
Senate of the State. Re-appointed as Dele- 
gate to Congress in 1777 and re-elected to 
the Maryland Senate in 1 78 1, in 1786 and 
in 1797. He was one of the Commissioners 
to settle the boundary Ime between Virginia 
and Maryland. He outlived all his col- 
leagues ot the Continental Congress and 
died at the age ot ninet\-five. 



DouGHOVACF.N, i6th Oct., 1820. 
Sir 

Mr. Shiplt\ informs me you have not yet paid to him 
the balance clue on my order on you tor ^HKo. dated 21st 
of August last &: that you hatl no money and could get 
none, Mr. Caton being out of town. By my account ot 
last month 1 had in your hands $4389.25. 1 do not sup- 
pose that vou have let Mr. Caton have any part of that 
balance, as I have positively directed you not to pay to him, 
Mr. Harper or my son any money ot mine without my 
check on you for such payment, and am therefore at a loss 
to understand how Mr. Caton's absence should prevent 
vou paying to Mr. Shiplev the balance of my order, unless 
\()U paid to Mr. Caton money ot nunc contrary to my 
instructions, ik in that case you have made yoursell answer- 
able for such payment. I desire you to inform me if you 
have paid to Mr. Caton any parr of the above balance and 
to what amount. Your prompt answer will oblige 
Sir, Your most humble servant 

Ch. Carkoi.i, of Carrollton. 
To Mk. |amks Neilson 
Baltimore. 



Virginia 



(George OTptfje 

BORN Elizabeth City, Virginia, in 1726. 
Died Richmond June 8, 1806. He 
was a member of the Virginia House of 
Burgesses and was appointed in 1764 on the 
Committee organized to remonstrate against 
the proposed Stamp Act. He was again a 
member of the House of Burgesses in 1768 
and 1760, and was elected in 1775 to the 
Continental Congress. He was chosen Judge 
of the High Court of Chancery in 1777 and 
became subsequently Sole Chancellor. He 
was Professor of Law in William and Mary 
College. 



G. Wythf to Mr. Mazzei. 

I shall take it kindiv if you will procure for me a seal 
for a watch with the arms of the Taliaforro family on one 
side, and the initials R. T. on the other side, and the in- 
closed motto neatly engraved. Let not the expense be more 
than three or four guineas, which shall be paid upon receipt 
of the seal and the sight of vour order. This freedom. 
Sir, is taken in confidence that you would be sensible of 
the same pleasures in doing me a friendly office as I should 
in doing one for you. I wish you every telicit)'. Adieu. 
Wii.i.iAM.snuRCH, 10 August, 1785. 



BORN Stratford. Virginia, January 20. 
1732. Died Chantilly, Virginia, |iine 
IQ, 1794. Acquiring a clerical education in 
England he returned to Virginia when 25 
years of age and was chosen [ustice of 
Peace. He became one of the delegates 
from Virginia to the first Congress in 1774. 
He was member of a large number of Com- 
mittees while in Congress, usuallx' acting 
as Chairman, introduced the Resolution 
for Independence June 7, 1776. and also 
sei"ved actively in that bod\' from 1778 to 
17S0. In 1784 he was elected President of 
Congress. He was one of the first Senators 
for Virginia under the new Federal Consti- 
tution. He retired from public service in 
1792. 



York Town Octob'r 31st 1777. 
Sir 

We have the honor and the pleasure to inclose you a 
copy of the Capitulation by which Gen. Burgoyne and his 
Army surrendered themselves prisoners ot war. This great 
aft'air, might have been still greater, if the near approach 
of Sir Henry Clinton to Albany (where our military and 
provision stores were lodged) had not rendered dispatch 
necessary with Gen. Burgoynes army. Two thousand 
brave men under Gen. Stark are gone to Ticonderoga and 
Gen. Gates with the main body of his Army is moving 
down the North river to meet Gen. Vaughn, who yet re- 
mains about 50 miles below Albany. Two Brigades with 
the light Corps under Col'o. Morgan arc on their way to 
join Gen. Washington. Nothing that we know of hath 
happened near Philadelphia since the enemies unsuccessful 
attack on Red Bank and Fort Mifflin, in which two of 
their ships of war were lost and Count Donop with some 
inferior officers and 70 privates made prisoners: A more 
particular account of which has been already sent to Wil- 
liamsburg. We have thought it of importance enough to 
send a particular Express with this glorious intelligence, 
which we hope will be approved. As the Artillery Officer 
(Capt. Loycaute) whom we had the honor of recommend- 
ing for the command of the State Regiinent of Artillery 
raising in our Commonwealth, is here waiting an answer, 
we could wish to be indulged with one by return of this 
Messenger. 

We are with esteem and respect Sir 
your most obedient and very humble Servants 

fosKPH JONHS 

Francis Lighti-oot Lee 
Jno. H.xrvie 
invFHi RicH.ARD Henry Lee 



Reverse Side .... On public service 
His Excellency 

Patrick Henry, esquire 
Governor of Virginia 
at 
By E.xpress Williamsburg. 

R. H. Lee 
Rec'd November lo, 1777 

R. H. Lee to gov. Henry 
Burgoyne's surrender 
Loycaute. 



3 1 St December 1776. Baltimore. 
Dear Sir: — 

The enclosed is a more exact account than that last 
night inclosed & Col. Bayter who brought us this letter 
from the General says another party of Hessians was brought 
in just before he came away making the whole number of 
prisoners between 1000 & iioo. 

Farewell 

Richard Henry Lee. 
To Honorable John Page 
At Williamsburg in 
Virginia. 



€^f)omag Jefferson 

BORN Shadwell, Virginia, April 2, 1743. 
Died Monticello July 4, 1826. Began 
practice of" the law in 1767 and in 1760 was 
chosen a member of the Hcnise ot Burgesses. 
In 1785 he was appointed by Congress 
Mmister to France and was Secretary of 
State in Washington's Cabinet, from which 
he resigned in 1793. He was elected Vice 
President of the United States in 1797 and 
March 4th took the Ciiair as Presiding 
OHicer ol tlie Senate. He was elected Presi- 
dent of the United States and took his seat 
March 4, 1801. In 1809 he retired from 
public lite. 



September 21, 1798. 
Sir 

Be pleased to have paiinent made to Mr. John Barnes 
of all dividends of interest and principal which will become 
due on the ist day of the ensuing month of October for 
stock of whatsoever description standing on the books of 
the Treasury in the name of William Short late one of the 
ministers of the U. S. for which this shall be the sufficient 
voucher under the power of attorney given to me by the 
said William Short and deposited in the bank of the U. S. 
I am with great respect. Sir 

Your most obedient servant 

Th. Jeffkrson 
To John Steele, Esq. 

Comptroller of the U. S. 



Penjamin ^atvi^on 

BORN Berkeley, Virginia, 1740. Died 
April, 1791. In 1764 became a member 
ot the Virgniia House of Burgesses and pre- 
sided over that body until 1782, at which 
time he was chosen Governor of the State. 
He was twice re-elected to the same office 
and was a member of the State Convention 
organized in 1788 to ratify the Federal 
Constitution. He was also a member of 
the State Legislature. 



Berkklev, Feb'y 2, 1767. 
Dear Sir 

Mr. Farlev has been at Norfolk ever since I rec'd 
your letter or would have sent it to him and returned you 
his answer, if \ou can part with the flour to him on any 
good terms, I shall be glad of it, as I really want the money 
for it, but if not, I will use my best endeavors to do it for 
you, the price you are to pay is the currt. price, but cash is 
the great article in the bargain, and that I fear is not to be 
had; This \ou may depend on that I will not give you an\' 
trouble if I can help it, as I know it is much out of your way. 
I shall send to Norfolk soon, and will sell it there if I can, 
if any less we will bear it betwixt us, but if it will not sell 
there, 1 will in that case send your letter over to Mr. Farley, 
and let you know what he says. Your last letter to him 
I enclose you. \ou'l please to send it back open that I may 
see your proposals perhaps I may do better with it than 
you expect from him. I observe what you sa\' about the 
inspection of the flour. The custom is for the exporter 
to pay it. Mr. Carv did not charge it as it was a trifle to 
him, however we will have no dispute. You'l please to 
ask Coll. Tucker about it, his determination shall govern 
me. \ ou'l please to pa\' the bearer Mr. John Slade the 
balance remaining which I now want to pay for nw wheat, 
his receipt shall discharge \ou. ^ our plank is read\" and 
shall be sent down as soon as mv vessel returns from Nor- 
folk. Please to give my aftect. compliments to your lad\' 
and believe me to be Dear Sir 

^ our affectionate 

Beni. H.arrison. 



BORN York County, Virginia, Decem- 
ber 26, 1738. Died there January 4, 
1789. \\ as a member of the House of Bur- 
gesses of Virginia before he became of age. 
He was also member of the Provincial 
Congress of 1775. He attracted much notice 
while a delegate to the Continental Congress, 
resigned in 1777 and was afterwards 
appomted Commander-in-Chief of the State 
forces. He returned to Congress in 1779 
and was chosen |une, 1781, Governor of 
the Commonwealth. He participated in 
the Siege ot Yorktown as a commander of 
the Virginia Militia. 



Richmond, Sept. 2, 1781. 
Dkak General 

1 congratulatt vou on the arrival of the Count De 
Gross with 2^ Ships of the hne, six Frigates and 3000 
troops, a circumstance that that must give the most exces- 
sive jo\- to every true American. I am convenced that 
the hear mention of this great intiliigence will operate most 
strongly on your inclinations to take the field. 

The militia from the South side of the James River 
are ordered out and the Marquis has fixed on Cobbain 
instead of I am not informed whether he has writ- 

ten to you on this subject. 1 wish you to take command 
of those troops. A circular letter is written to the 
County Lieutenants pressing them in the most earnest 
manner to send every man into the field who has a gun 
of any sort. Should we let slip this glorious opportunity 
of relieving our Country from the distress of an invading 
armv for we shall never have another. I atn sure we shall 
not tlescrve one. I need not add more than to assure you 
1 shall be happy to see you in the field with as much expe- 
dition as circumstances will admit ot 
I am Dear Gen'l. 
^'our Obt. 

Thos. Nelson, Jr. 
To (General Lanson. 



jFrancisi i^isljtfoot Xee 

BORN Stratford, Westmoreland County, 
Virijinia, October 14, 1734. Died 
Riihiiiond in 1797. A brother of Richard 
Henry Lee, he became a member from 
Loudoun County to the House of Burgesses 
in 1765 and acted in that capacity until 
1772. He was elected in August, 1 77 5, a 
delegate to the Continental Congress and 
was re-elected successively in 177^-77 and '78. 



Menokint Jli1\- 2, 1773. 
My Dear Brother 

By a Glasgow Ship I wrote \ou that Mr. M. Smith 
intended to ship 60 bbls. tobacco in rayson to answer the 
bills he had drawn on you, but that he could not take them 
in; we have try'd since tho' in vain to charter. You have 
lost near 300 bbls. for want of ship room. As there will 
be a great deal of tobacco left in the Country, &: the present 
crop is very forward & promising, I think you should have 
a ship as early as possible in the tall in the Country. I 
am afraid Wipkins will be tardy in making his remittances, 
I have pressed him often and warmly, he has promised to 
remit you by the first opportunity i.,90 which he had in 
hand and £100 for which he expects an order from Col. 
laylor, besides 100 bbls of tobacco which he is hawking 
about for sale, the produce of which he assures me will 
be remitted to you. You may depend I will be as bad as 
a third day ague & fever to him untill he complies. John 
Gordon says he does not know what he owes you, as you 
have not sent him sales nor acc't. curr't. Everybody is so 
read)- at evading demands, that it is impossible to collect 
debts without having an exact state of their Acc'ts. which 
you should always send me, at least of those whome you 
intend I should push for payment. I wrote you by the 
Institia, Captain Gray, but he is not yet sailed, ^ I doubt 
will not before Rayson, When she does John Corrie is to 
draw for his ball, on Campbell. Captain Rayson just left 
me, his last craft is now taking her load from the lower 
parts of this River, he is all ready and will sail as this craft 
gets round. He has been much troubled with the crafts- 
men, indeed they are grown so bad that it requires a person 
much better acquainted with this business (?c much cleverer 



than Rayson to manage them, we are endeavoring to form 
some regulations for these Gentry against the next meeting 
of the Assembh'; the trade suffers so much bv tlieir negh- 
gence is: villainy that everybody is convinced of the neces- 
sity of taking them under consideration. My zi hhds. are 
on board, you wdl msure so as to recouver £6 in case of 
loss. I hope if we should have a war it will not raise in- 
surance much, as our opponents are not very powerfull at 
sea. Mrs. Lee intended to have sent her sister some hams 
by Dobbie, but the Captain assured me it was impossible 
to keep them in a summer passage, so we have deferred it 
till the fall, .Sc will be glad to have a conveyance in a ship 
of your own. I am afraid I am so far behind with you that 
my tobacco will not pay the bdl, <3c answer the Goods to 
be sent for by Rayson, but you may depend I will send 
vou in bills next summer, before the tradesmen will be 
clamorous for their money. 

As I shall shortly write again, I must now take my 
leave, please to give our hearty love to our dear sister & 
brother Sawyer, & believe me ever your sincerely aff'ection- 
ate friend .5c brother 

Fr.ancis Lightfoot Lee> 
To William Lee, Esquire 

Merchant in 
London. 



Carter ^Braxton 

BORN Newington, Kinj^ and Oueen 
Countw Virijinia, September lo, 
1736. Died October 10, 17Q7. He was a 
member of tbe House of Burgesses, Vir- 
ginia, and took an active part in the session 
at which the Resolutions of Patrick Henry 
were presented and adopted in 1765. Later 
he became a member of the Popular Con- 
vention and was cliosen in 1775 a delegate 
to the Continental Congress. Chosen atter- 
wards a member of the Virginia Legislature, 
he remained a member of that bod}' until 
1786. when he became one of the Executive 
Council. 



March 15, 1782. 
Mfss. Wadsworth &: Cartrh 

Dear Sirs 

I am mucli obliged by your agreeing to take the corn 
carried to Hampton by mistake to vou. provided it comes 
to Wm's Ferry & to the adjustment ot m\- hist account 
sent by Mr. Moon. 

Since that acc't, the one offered by Mr. Dunlevy has 
accrued and being called on for payment tor all the corn 
bought 1 am to desire the favour of you to pay that amount 
to him. 

One of your agents was here yesterday & told me of 
the new arrangement made respecting the artillery horses 
and wished to provide some forage for them after the six- 
teenth. 1 told him my slaves were gone tor some which 
you should have. They will be down in three or tour days, 
but the forage is fine tops, no more blades being to be had, 
of this we allow two pounds for one & by means of the 
weight we lose by the exchange. I can also procure some 
oat straw which the horses are fond of. Of these enough 
may be furnished for the horses till the crop comes which 
will be in about 2 or 3 weeks, after which time they will 
eat none. I have such tine marshes here that you may 
put a 1000 horses on it & have corn & oats sufficient to 
make them fatt in the month of April. 1 am much pleased 
at the alteration of the arrangement as I know you see the 
errors of the French & will give more corn & have them 
soon in better order. Anv supply you want here I beg to 
make or any fodder you want at Wm.'s Ferry rely on hav- 
ing the preference of. I can have a sufficient quantity down 
in time at either place. Any assistance in mv power shall 
be c(Mitributed by Sirs 

Your humble servant 

Carter Braxton 



iSortfj Carolina 



OTiUiam J^ooper 

BORN in Boston, Massachusetts. June 
17, 17+2. Died Hillshorough, North 
Carohna, October, 1790. Graduated at 
Harvard in 1760 and began at once the study 
of law with |ames Otis of Boston. He re- 
moved to Wilmington, North Carolina, in 
1769, and was sent as a delegate to the Con- 
tinental Congress m 1775. He was promi- 
nent in both State and National politics 
from that time until the date of his death. 



Sir 

The Committee of this City a few days ago transmitted 
to )()u an original letter from Governor Martin to Henry 
White, Esq., from the contents of which it is very ob\ ions 
that Governor Martin has formed designs highly inimical 
to the friends of America. From authoritive information 
we learn that he is to receive a supply of Gunpowder from 
General Gage in New^ York & that lie has sent from North 
Carolina a cutter well armed to receive it. She is a small 
boat, rigged like a Schooner, mounts a few swivels &: is 
commanded by a Mr. Bridges the Lieutenant of the Tamas 
Man ot War. The vessel we believe was formerly purchased 
in New York by a Capt. Collet. We beg your particular 
care in case she should arrive in your port to take the steps 
you may think prudent to secure her i?c her cargo. She 
is probably to receive the gunpowder from the Arie or some 
other man of war lying in your harbour. 

We are Sir with great respect 

Your most obedient humble servants 

William Hooper 
Joseph Hewes. 
Philadelphia, |une Stii, 1775. 



Josiepi) Jletoesi 



BORN in Kingston, New Jersey, 1730. 
Died Philadelphia, November 10, 1779. 
Upon the completion of his college course 
at Princeton he went to Philadelphia, where 
he engaged in mercantile pursuits until 
about 1730. He removed to North Carolina 
and settled near Edenton. He was sent as 
a delegate to Continental Congress in 1774 
and remained a member during 1775 and 
1776, serving on many important committees. 
He declined a re-election in 1 777. but re- 
sumed his seat in Jul\- 1779- 



Edenton, 9th March, 1777. 
Dear Sir 

1 have just received a letter from Mr. Hooper by which 
I have the pleasure to find you had got safe to Baltimore 
before he left it. Ever since 1 parted with you at Halifax 
I have been very much indisposed which has prevented 
me from leaving home. I am now getting better but this 
weatlier contmues so very bad here that it would not be 
prudent for me to set out in my weak infirm state. I hope 
to be with you some time next month. Mr. Thomas Jones 
was taken sick a few days after he got home. He lingered 
about twenty davs &: died. His loss is severely felt here. 
He was a warm friend to our cause and zealous m the 
support of It. I am told our troops are on their march from 
the southward. Some of them are at Halifax. The regi- 
ments it is said are very thin and the recruiting business 
goes on slowly. I have been informed three prizes have 
lately arrived at Newburn. One of them it seems was 
bound from London to Augustine and being maned chiefly 
bv New England men, the crew took the vessel from the 
Captain and brought her to this state. It is said she has a 
very valuable car^o on board. When she had got almost 
up to Newburn a little armed vessel that was going out 
took possession of her and now claims her as a Prize. Ought 
not our' Americans who brought her in have a large share 
or must the\' be satisfied with regaining their Country <Sc 
their liberr\' and rest contented with the character of Pirates 
which some jiersons have given them, ^'ou have not been 
kinii enough to write me a line since )our arrival at Balti- 
more. I hope when you have received this you will do it, 
itt me have as much news & politics as you are at liberty 
to put on paper. Are none of the lotterx' tickets to be sent 



this way on public account ? If not pray send me one hun- 
dred of them for myself & a few of my friends. I wrote 
to Mr. Morris on this subject but as he will not be in Con- 
gress soon unless you remove to Philadelphia, he will not 
have so early an opportunity of doing it as yourself provid- 
ing any of them are to be had at Baltimore. Pray offer 
my best compliments to the President and your brother 
members and believe that I am with much esteem 

Dear Sir 
Your most obedient servant 

Joseph Hewes 
To Thomas Burke, Esq. 



STofjn ^enn 



BORN Caroline County, Virginia, May 
17, 1741. Died September, 1788. His 
father having died at an early age he became 
sole manager of his property, and being very 
desirous of improving his knowledge ot 
books applied to Edmund Pendleton, one 
of the most distinguished Statesmen ot Vir- 
ginia, asking that he be allowed the use ot 
his Library. This request was freely granted 
and Penn took the utmost advantage ot it. 
At the age of 21 lie became a member ot the 
Bar and by his ability soon became ver\' 
prominent in his profession. He was ap- 
pointed in September, 1 775, upon the resig- 
nation of Mr. Caswell, to take his seat in 
Congress as a representative ot North Caro- 
lina. He was successivfh' re-elected in 
1777-78-79 and performed his duties with the 
utmost skill and ability. 



Philada., July 12, 1777. 
Dear Sir 

Having been informed that the Troops belonging to 
our State could not part with the money they brought with 
them, but at a very great loss. Doctor Burke and myself 
thought it reasonable to exchange with the men, by giving 
them an equal number of Continental dollars, which Mr. 
Blunt at our request did, amounting in the whole to 248572 
dollars agreeable to the enclosed list. We hope the money 
will be of use with you, indeed it was lost to the Soldiers 
here. 

We have employed Lieutenant fohn Allen to conduct 
the money from Baltimore and have requested Mr. Hill- 
yass to dispatch him as soon as possibly he can. You will 
receive the above quantity of dollars besides the 300,000 
sent by the Congress, the whole is to be conducted at the 
expense of the Continent. It is still uncertain what General 
Howe means to do as he remains between Staten Island 
and New York. General Burgoyne is in the neighborhood 
of Ticonderoga, his force is not known. I am afraid we 
shall not be able to help that fact. 

Your son is very well, our Troops are near this City 
waiting for Gen'l. Howe's movements with great respect. 

I am 
Dear Sir 
Your ob'd. Serv. 



Lieut. Burke was out of the 
way so could not sign this 
letter. 



John Penn. 



Philadelphia, July 15, 1779. 
Sir 

Ininiediately on receiving your favor of May 26th 
last, we laid before Congress the several matters where- 
with you charged us, but unavoidable interventions have 
prevented our obtaining their resolutions on them all, 
previous to the date hereof. 

The intense heat of this Season, and the great length 
ot the march, make it almost certain, that an order for the 
North Carolina troops to join the Southern Army, would 
be attended with consequences fatal to their health, and 
such as must deprive the public of their services, every- 
where, during this campaign, if not forever it was there- 
fore judged most expedient to postpone such orders, until 
they can be executed without such imminent hazard of 
mconvenience. 

The resolution relative to the desired commissions are 
tlie least which we have been able to obtain, altho' in our 
opinion they are not altogether so well calculated for the 
relief of the sufl^'erers, especially in our Country, as they 
nught have been. But the measure by which they were 
decried and from which great public good was expected, 
has still many advocates in Congress, notwithstanding the 
experience of all parts of America groans under the evils 
it has produced. 

The Congress has, with ^reat reluctance, "ranted even 

o o o 

tile partial payment of your draught in our favor. The 
Continental Currency is too much depreciated, that every 
one has the necessit\' of putting an entire stop to commis- 
sions, and rel\'ing on tiie exertions of the States for supply- 
ing the public necessaries. The power of the States inter- 
nall\- IS nuicii better understood, much better established. 



much more simple and vigorous in its operations relative 
to public credit, and, let us add, much more relied on, 
than that of Congress. It is therefore more competent to 
give securities, which will give valuable paper currency 
than Congress, in their unconfedorated state, can give. 
The Congress, sensible of this, and also sensible, that in- 
creasing the Continental comissions must be attended with 
very injurious consequences have taken up ideas very dif- 
ferent from such as heretofore prevailed. Should the war 
continue longer than the present campaign, the States 
must furnish the supplies, either by contributions in kind, 
or by taxes in money, and those are the chief resources 
which the Congress have at present in view. They will 
probably have recource also to loans a measure only justi- 
fied on principles of necessity which is burthensome and 
unequal in a very high degree, and which, it is much to be 
wished may be avoidable tor the present campaign. The 
Congress wish to provide by loans, and by what remains 
of the former comissions not yet expended. While intent 
on this object, it was a great disappointment to them to 
receive so great a requisition, as two millions and a half 
from one of the states; and. many deemed it better to let 
any one state struggle through the want of money, than to 
send them any from the Public Treasury, in its present 
circumstances. The resolution was at length taken, to 
advance one million; and we were obliged to be satisfied 
therewith. It is hoped that when the state is fully informed 
of the state of afiairs, she will provide for her some other 
way and forgo the remaining part of the requisition. We 
confess this to be our wish; and doubt not it would be the 
wish of our constituents were the difiiculties of our finances 
as well known to them as to us. The sum granted cannot 



he paid before the heginning of August, and, as soon as 
possible, it shall be sent forward. If the residue cannot be 
dispensed with, we shall make a future application to Con- 
gress, but we are far from being sanguine in our hopes of 
success. 

We thank vou Excellency for the further information 
you have given us relative to the proceedings of the Assem- 
bly. We feel the highest satisfaction from the generous 
provisions made for our fellow citizens in the army. Per- 
mit us, however, to represent to you. Sir, that the intentions 
of the Assembly with respect to the cloathing for the offi- 
cers are far from being carried into due execution; and we 
* beg leave to recommend it to }'our attention; relying on 
your exertions in behalf of so meritorious a body of our 
citizens. The Assembh' ha\e a!wa\s manifested intentions 
very liberal, in providmg for the expenses of their delegates; 
but, it is impossible to judge how adequate any allowance 
will prove to the unavoidable disbursements. We sincerely 
wish that all our citizens were well armed, and, to press the 
necessity thereof on our fellow citizens. The Predatory war 
which we may apprehend hereafter, if hostilities shall con- 
tinue, will require, everywhere, vigilence readiness and vigor. 
We are convinced that so far as the first and last can avail, 
our Countr)' will be safe while \ou preside over her, but, 
without arms, our virtue and vigilence cannot avail much. 
We wish it to be thought an object of the highest conse- 
quence to supply them. 

You will see by the enclosed papers that a descent 
has been matle in Connecticut, and we have advice from 
Europe, that it was planned in the British Cabinet. This 
is a proof at once of the predatory designs of the enemy, 
and of that imhccilit\- which prevents them from carrying 



on operations of greater vigor, and more competent to their 
design of conquest. We wish we could give you a satis- 
factory idea of our foreign affairs, but they are still in so 
obscure, and undecided a state, that this is impossible. 
We are also yet under strict injunctions of secrecy but, 
should decisions be made, deeply effecting the happiness 
and safety of our Country, we shall feel ourselves under 
obligations, stronger than any other, of laying the whole 
of the affairs before the state. 

We are sorry to find that we differ in sentiments with 
some of the delegates of Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware 
and South Carolina, on questions which are of the utmost 
importance to all, but peculiarly so to them and to us, as 
states possessing internal staples, and being composed 
chiefly ot Husbandmen. Jersey, Delaware and South 
Carolina on the questions alluded to, are usually divided. 
Pennsylvania votes differently from us, but, we have the 
satisfaction to find, that New York, Maryland, and Vir- 
ginia concur with us. We lament that our eastern bretheren 
have, at present objects in view, in the pursuit of which 
we cannot concur with them; tho' we feel every possible 
disposition to unite with tlicm in all pursuits, not incon- 
sistent with the safety and happiness of our Country. We 
accuse them, because the objects are, to them, immediately 
interesting; but, in our opinion, not so much so to all, or 
to any of the states, as to justify some measures that are 
under consideration. 

We have the honor to he with great respect )our E.\- 
cellency's obedient servants 

JOHN Penn 
Thomas Burke 
William Sharpe 
To His Excellency 

Governor Carvvei.e mvPRi 



Three hundred and thirty Dollars have been advanced 
to the express for which he has given a receipt to be ac- 
countable to you. 

General Hagan desires the enclosed to be submitted 
to your inspection in order to give an idea ot the expense 
of trimmings which not having been sent with some cloath 
which came forward from the state puts the officers under 
the necessity of purchasing them here, at an expense which 
few can bear. 



^outfj Carolina 



Cbtoarb ^utlebge 

BORN Charleston, November 23, 1740- 
Died January 23, 1800. Began to 
practice law in Charleston in 1773- Chosen 
a delegate to Congress in 1 774 and became 
a member ol' the first Board of War. He 
was again in Congress in 1779 but in the fol- 
lowing year was captured at the siege of 
Charleston and imprisoned at St. Augustine. 
In 1782 he was a member of the General 
Assembi\- at jacksonborough and in 1798 
was elected (lovernor but died before his 
term expired. 



You judge very truly my dear Charles, when you 
thought that I felt myself much interested in anything that 
affected your happiness. For I can sincerely say that, 
there is scarcely a misfortune to which humanity is subject, 
that I should not endeavor to lighten by dividing with you; 
or a pleasure which you could enjoy that I would not en- 
deavor to multiply. With a heart full of affection, I wish 
you a thousand and ten thousand days of felicity, and with 
an head full of wisdom. I think the fault will in some 
measure be your own if you do not possess them. It is 
probable that j. M. may not write you by this conveyance, 
if he should he will speak for himself, if he should not, 
I'll speak for him. He told me as a most profound secret 
that you had written for the refusal of &: that 

you should have it for 500 less than any other person. 
You'll make a very bad bargain at that rate, — but no 
matter, — a man who makes but one bad bargain when he 
is deeply in love & tliat a pecuniary bargain, must be 
more than a match for a Scotchman, & indeed a whole 
tribe of your second sighted gentry. 

But as neither F.D. or I are in your situation it will 
be some time before we bring matters to a conclusion. 
It is now eleven o'clock my brats are asleep, my wife is in 
bed, &: nothing but friendship has kept my eyes open. 
Nor shall they be closed till I tell you we all love you & that 
1 am ever 

Your affectionate friend 

Ed. Rutledge 

P. S. Your brother, Thomas, Mable & Mr. Middle- 
ton left Cornwall on Saturday. Respects to all at Newgate. 



BORN South Carolina, 1746. Died 
March. i8og. Having completed liis 
legal studies in England, he was elected 
upon his return to this country in 1775 a 
delegate to Congress. He held a commis- 
sion in the militia and in 1778 became 
Judge of the new Criminal and Civil Courts. 
He was captured at the time Charleston 
fell and upon his return to Carolina resumed 
his seat on the bench, which he retained until 
■798. 



South Carolina. 

The State of South Carohna. To all and singular 
the Sheriffs of the said State, Greeting: You and each of 
you are hereby commanded, without delay, to attach the 
body of James Stewart wherever he may be found, within 
your and each of your respective districts, so that you 
compel him to be and appear before the Justices of the 
said State, at the Court of Common Pleas, to be holden 
at Charleston, on the Second Tuesday in December next 
to answer James Weatherly in a plea of trespass on the 
Case and so forth, and also for certain promises and as- 
sumptions to the said James Weatherly, by the said James 
Stewart, made and not performed, to the damage of the 
said James Weatherly Forty Pounds sterling, money of the 
said State. 

And have you then and there this writ. 

Witness the honorable Thomas Heyward Junior, 
Esquire, one of the said justices at Charleston, the Twelfth 
day of November, in the year of our Lord, One thousand 
seven hundred and eighty seven and in the Twelfth year 
of the Sovereignty and Independence of the United States 
of America. 

FowKE Platt, Jr. 

Atty. 
(Seal) Thos. Heyward, Jr. 



BORN St. George's Parish. South Caro- 
lina, August 5, 1749. and it is 
presumed was drowned at sea toward the 
end of 1779. Studied law in London and 
returned to South Carolina in 1772. He 
was appointed Captain of the provincial 
militia of the State in 1775. Having been 
sent as a delegate to Congress in 1776 he 
sailed in 1779 for St. Eustatius and was never 
heard from again. A letter ot Henry Laurens 
has been inserted immediately after the ac- 
companying description of Mr. Lynch's 
signature, because it refers to the illness ot 

o 

the elder Lynch. 



Signature 

"T. Lynch, Jun." 
On Title Page of " The Bucolicks of Virgil." 
London, 1749. 
Accompanying the Book is a certificate as follows: — 

" I certify that the Signature of T. Lynch, Jun., on the 
title page of "The Bucolicks of Virgil" London, 17+9, is 
the genuine signature of Thomas Lynch, Junior, the Signer 
of the Declaration of Independence from South Carolina. 
I received it from Pickney Johnston of Charlston, S. C. 
who was a connection of the Lynch taiiuh', and it has been 
in my possession over fifty years. 

J. Ma.wvell Pringle 
Charleston, South Carolina." 



Dear Sir: — 

Capt Adam McDonald left in niv custody a Horse 
Saddle 6c Bridle as your property & desired them to be 
returned by some good opportunity. Colonel Wells who 
came here in the service of Georgia bcintr in great want of 
a Horse to carry paper & other articles I have embraced 
this opportunity of returning yours together with the Saddle 
& Bridle under his care. 

I congratulate the friends of America on your appoint- 
ment to the Command of the Continental Battalion in 
Georgia. I wish you much joy &: honour ^ in the same 
Cordial terms salute my young friends jack &^ Lachlan 
but I find neither the plough nor the Pike will work any 
alteration in you as a correspondent — you might have told 
me at several opportunities what was doing & what you 
thought ought to have been done — haven't the Men of 
War's Men outwitted us in the Hinchinbrooke &: the 
Merchantment — the intelligence we received yesterday from 
Philadelphia added to the late Act of Parliament which 
came through your Fown, puts all possibility of reconcilia- 
tion with (ircat Britian upon terms formerly proposed, 
aside; yet 1 feel myself lighter, I think better terms are not 
far tlistant. But 1 feel, nevertheless, and I grieve for Eng- 
land; her glory and her honour are eclipsed her power will 
sink. 1 grieve for her as for the loss of an old and much- 
io\ed friend. In a word, I see the time advancing very 
fast when the declaration 1 have oft made to men of con- 
sequence in that Island, and perhaps oft in your hearing, 
will be accomplished; her Conquest will be her defeat, 
possibly worse — if her ancient Rival should interpose in 
earnest, she may suffer nothing but defeat. 

I am writing in great haste; accept what 1 offer there- 
fore with grams of allowance. 



We have lost one of the best friends to this country, 
and one of the ablest politicians in America, by a stroke 
of apoplexy on the elder Mr. Lynch in Philadelphia. He 
had been twelve days languishing, when the Messenger 
came away on the 3d March, wholly deprived of speech 
and understanding. His son goes to-morrow to see and 
also to succeed him as a Delegate; for if he survives, he 
must change his habits and air. The messenger brought 
a private letter from Doctor Swendt, who writes that Quebec 
was taken. The letter was dated day after that from Mr. 
E. Rutledge, and says the intelligence was just received. 
General Lee as a Major and Gen. Armstrong as a Brig- 
adier, are appointed for Southern Department, and both 
will probablv be here in a tew days. Every family in your 
Colony should immediately set to making Saltpetre, and 
in one month you would collect enough to make gunpowder 
to serve you six. 

1 have not time to write to James Bailley. I intreat 
you to give him order for the removal of my Negroes & all 
the Ren from the Island to the Main if you think it will 
be proper or in any other manner you judge best. 
I wish you all happmess & so 
Dear Sir 
^'our most obedient se — 

Hknry Laurens. 
This mornmg 1 hope wdl 
begin to releive me from 
the intolerable burthen of 
Presidentship — we shall have finished 
the ground work of a New Constitution 
& proceed to the election of Officers. 

Charlestown 24 March 1776 
Colon El. Mackintosh. 



^rtijut jHibbleton 

BORN Middleton Place, Ashley River. 
South Carolina, 1734. Obtained his 
decree at Cambridsre and returned to America, 
beconiini:; at once a prominent leader ot the 
Revolutionary party in the South. He was 
a member of the first Council of Satet)- and 
sent in 1776 to Congress. In 1779 he served 
at the defence of Charleston, afterwards 
serving in the State Senate. He wrote many 
able political essays under the signature of 
"Andrew Marveil." 



In Cominittee 

PriiLADA. October loth, 1776. 
Sir 

We learned sometime since with much concern that 
the expedition that we had planned for you to execute, 
would prove abortive, as the ships had gone out a cruizing 
under the sanction of Governor Frumbultz's recommenda- 
tion, with which we cannot be well satisfied, altho' in this 
mstance we are disposed to pass it by in silence, being well 
convinced both he and the severall captains meant to per- 
form service at a time when the Ships were idle. 

Supposmg therefore that you will have been obliged 
to lay on side the expedition to Newfoundland, we now direct 
that you immediately collect the Alfred, Columbus, Cabbot 
and Hampden, take them under your command and pro- 
ceed for Cape Fear in North Carolina where you will find 
the following Ships of War 

The Falcon of 10 Guns 
Scorpion of 16 Guns 
«Sc Cruizer of 8 Guns 
antl a number ot valuable prizes, said to be 40 in number, 
and other vessels under their protection, the whole of which 
you will make prize with care. We understand they have 
erected a kind of a Fort and Bald head at the entrance of 
Cape Fear River but it being only manned with a few 
people from the Ships, we expect you will easily reduce it 
and put the same in possession of the State of North Caro- 
lina or dismantle it as may appear best. 

When )'ou have performed this service you had best 
deliver the Continental Agents there, such of your prizes 
as w^e selll may or be in North Carolina, others you may 
conve)- into \ irginia or this place for we don't recommend 



your remaining in North Carolina for fear of bring blocked 
up there. Perhaps you may receive advices that will render 
it eligible to proceed further Southward to rout the enemie's 
ships at South Carolina & Georgia and if that is practic- 
able you have not only our approbation but our orders 
for the attempt. 

We hope Sir you will not loose one single moment 
after the receipt of this letter but proceed instantly on this 
expedition. 



We are Sir 



^ our humble Servants 

Robert Morris 
William Ellery 
JosiAH Bartlett 
Thos. McKean 
Richard Henry Lee 
Wm. Hooper 
Arthur Middleton 



(Georgia 



JPutton (^toinnett 

BORN England about 1732. Died 
Georgia May 27, 1777- Emigrated 
in 1770 from Bristol to America and became 
prominent in all colonial interests. Was 
representative to Congress m 1776 and 1 777, 
and in the latter year became the President 
of tlie Provincial Council. In the same year 
he engaged in a duel with General Mac- 
intosh and was mortally vs'ounded. 



The signature of Button Gwinnett is attached to an 
Indenture of Mortgage dated April 25, 1770, between But- 
ton Gwinnett of the Island of St. Catharine, Georgia, and 
Edward Mease of Pensecola, for 1900 Pounds, conditioned 
to pay 475 Pounds before February 21st, 1773, with interest 
at 8% and 475 Pounds before February 21st, 1774, secured 
upon the island of St. Catherine, containing 6200 Acres. 



Upman S^aU 



BORN Connecticut, 1731. Died Burke 
County, Georgia, February, 1791- 
Graduated at Yale in 1747 and began the 
study of medicine. He removed in 1752 
to South Carolina and shortly thereafter to 
Sunbury, Georgia. He was elected a member 
of Congress in 1775, and annually there- 
after until 1780. He was chosen Governor 
in 1783 and served only one term, afterwards 
retiring to private lite. 



Savannah, 22 September, 1783. 
Georgia: — 

These are to certify that Lieut. Natlianiel Pearre of 
the Georgia Line is entitled to two hundred acres of land 
as a bounty from this State, and also to two hundred acres 
by resolution of Congress of the i6th September, 1776. 

L. Hall 
To any Court for granting Lands &c., 
within this State. 



(George Walton 

BORN Frederick County, Virginia, about 
1740. Died Augusta, Georgia, Feb- 
ruary 2, 1804. Began to practice law in 
Georgia in 1774. Was made a member of 
the Congress in 1776 and re-elected in 1777, 
1778 and 1780. He was made a Colonel ol 
Militia in 1 778 and appointed Governor of 
the State in October, 1779. He was re- 
elected Governor, was tour tmies Judge of 
the Court of Georgia, and became Senator 
in Congress in 179'). 



Augusta, 2 December, 1779. 
Sir 

I do myself the honor to enclose to you several resolves 
of the Assembly ot this State, to the objects of which I beg 
leave to call your attention. 

The operation of the one which expresses the necessity 
of a reinforcement, can receive direction only in yourself. 
But we rely upon equal or rather upon every possible sup- 
port, while on our part and maugre a multitude of dangers 
and difficulties, we keep in union and existence the frontier, 
weakest and most exposed state. 

The money voted and sent by Congress to this dis- 
tressed people is now called for and expected. Such a fund 
being in our state, will not only relieve the present exigences 
of government (until other supplies can be brought from 
Congress) but give confidence and stability to its proceedings. 

The order tor building an additional number of forts, 
has in view the better protection of the inhabitants, the 
encouragement of settlers, and awe the Indians. And in 
case of a disturbance with those people, may be useful 
to your army. 

The Assembly found themselves constrained to do 
something with the brigade of the State; and the resolve 
respecting it will shew you what has been deemed most 
advisable. It must be submitted to Contrress. 

I request that I may hear from you as early as possible, 
on these subjects <5c that you will transmit the money. 
I am Sir your most obedient 
Servant 

Geo. Walton 
To Major General Lincoln. 

4th Dec. The enemy's irregulars having penetrated into 
Burke County I have ordered Colonel Swift with a party 
of Militia to join Colonel Parker with a party of Dragoons 
and who marched this morning tf) drive them out. 



^(pfjatetical 3nbcx Ujitf) ?Bate£S 



John Auams 


..A. 


L.S 


. . . September i 2, I 


795 


Samuel Adams 


..A. 


L. S 


May, I 


766 






L.S 


October lo, i 


776 
782 


Carter Braxton 


..A. 


L.S 


March 15, i 


Charles Carroll 


..A. 


L.S 


October 16, i 


820 


Samuel Chase 


..A. 


L.S 


. . . September i 3, i 


777 


11 ti 


..A. 


L.S 


.... December 2, i 


802 


Abraham Clark 


. A. 


L.S 


March 29, I 


778 


(tK()rc;f C^l\'mkr 


A 


L S 


March 21,1 


778 
776 


William Ellery 




L.S 


October 10, i 


William Floi d 


. .A. 


L.S 


October 2g, 1 


780 


liENiAMiN Franklin . . 


..A. 


L.S 


.... September 8, i 


776 


Klhridge Gerry 


..A. 


L.S 


.... November 9, 1 


801 


Mutton CtWINNett 




D. S. . . . 


May q, 1 


770 
783 


LVMAN HaLI 


. .A. 


D.S 


. . . September 22, 1 


loHN Hancock 




D. S 


June 10, 1 


775 
767 


Benjamin Harrison... 


..A. 


L.S 


February 2, J 


John H.\rt 




D.S 


May 18, 1 


775 
777 


|c)SEl'H HeWES 


. .A. 


L.S 


March 9, J 


IC ii 


. .A. 


L.S 


June 8, 


776 


Thomas Heyward, Jr. 
\ V' 1 1 1 1 A M Hooper 




D.S 


. . . November 19, 


787 

775 
[776 

'754 




T..*;. 


June 8, 


li ii. 


r.. S. ... 


.... October 1 0, 


SlEI'HEN HoI'KINS 


. ..A 


L.S 


.... September 2, 


l-RANtlS HoI'KINSON . . . 


. . .A 


L.S 


March i 7, 


1785 


Samuel Huntincton . . 


.. A 


L.S 


April 4, 


'774 


Thomas Jefferson. . . . 




L.S 


. . . . September 21, 


1798 


Francis Liohtfoot Le 


F A 


L. S. ... 


... July 2, 


•773 
1776 


Ruhard Henry Lee.. 


. . A 


L.S 


. . . . December 31, 


11 c( (t 


...A 


L.S 


October 31, 


1777 


Francis Lewis 


. . .A 


L.S 


June 20, 


1777 


11 11 




D.S 


F"ebruary 22, 


1777 



Philip Livingston 



Thomas Lynch, Jr. 
Thomas McKean.. 
Arthur Middleton 

Lewis Morris 

Robert Morris . . . 

John Morton 

Thomas Nelson, Jr 
William Paca . . . , 
Robert Treat Pai 
John Penn 



George Read . . 
Caesar Rodney 



George Ross 

Benjamin Rush. . . . 
Edward Rutledge 
Roger Sherman . . . 

James Smith 

Richard Stockton 
Thomas Stone ... 
George Taylor . . . 



Mathew Thornton 
George Walton . . 
William Whipple. 

" " 

William Williams 

James Wilson 

John Witherspoon 
Oliver Wolcott . . 



George Wythe 



. . L. S.. 
. . L. S.. 

Sig.. 

A. L. S.. 
. . L. S.. 
A. L. S.. 
A. L. S.. 
.. D. S. 
A. L. S.. 
A. L. S.. 



A. L. S. 

A. L. S. 
. . L. S. 
A. L. S. 



.. L. S.. 
A. L. S.. 
A. L. S.. 
.. L. S.. 
A. L. S.. 
A. L. S.. 



A. L 



. A. L. S. 



A. L. S. 
.A. L. S. 
.A.I3. S. 
.A. L. S. 



A. D.S. 

A. L. S. 

A. D.S. 
.A. L. S. 
. . . D. S. 
.A. L. S. 

A.L. S. 
.A. L. S. 
.A. L. S. 

. . A. L. 



May 5, 

November 28, 

No 

October 15, 
October 10, 
November 24, 
. . . April 19, 

Jul.V 3' 

September 2, 

. . March 26, 

September 24, 

.... July 12, 

July 15, 

. . March 10, 
February i 2, 
. October 28, 
.... July 10, 
November i, 
December 21, 

No 

January 19, 
. . April 20, 
. August 14, 
February 2, 
October 21, 
December 4, 

June 8, 

December 2, 
November 2 i, 
October 2 i, 
November 25, 
, ... May 7, 
February 3, 
. . . May 1 4, 
August 14, 
.August 10, 



775 
767 
date 

777 
776 
756 
777 
776 
781 

776 
769 

777 
779 
766 

777 
778 
776 

755 

795 
date 
776 
782 

769 

774 
740 
780 
778 
779 
775 
777 
785 
780 

777 
781 
776 
785 



31^77 -1 



